Deadly Blast in India's Capital Near Renowned Landmark: 8 Dead and Multiple Wounded
An explosion in a car near a famous historic monument in India's capital city resulted in the deaths of eight people, leaving at least 19 others injured according to local law enforcement.
Details of the Devastating Incident
The detonation, which led to a fire that caused significant damage to several vehicles in close proximity, occurred near one of the entrances of a popular metro station close to the iconic landmark. The origin of the explosion is currently under scrutiny.
Witnesses living in the vicinity reported hearing a powerful explosion. One resident recounted rushing outside with his children, only to be met with a horrific scene of multiple vehicles ablaze and debris scattered everywhere. The witness also described seeing a lifeless body on a car windshield.
A taxi driver, who identified himself only by his first name, also reported hearing the loud explosion. He described how he fled from his car along with others on the street in the chaos following the blast.
Impact on a Historic Site
The site of the explosion, the historic fort, is a former imperial palace and a significant tourist attraction. Visuals from the site showed damaged vehicles and an established police barrier.
A local law enforcement spokesperson confirmed the death toll, with several more injured. "Our investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing," they said. The injured are receiving treatment at a local government-run hospital.
Images from the area depicted broken windows and twisted metal from vehicles, with smoke rising from the burning wreckage.
Investigation Underway
The country's Home Minister relayed to local media that the explosion occurred in a vehicle near a traffic light in the vicinity of the historic fort. He stated that surveillance footage from cameras around the area will be utilized in the investigation.
"We are investigating all potential causes and will conduct a detailed investigation, considering all possible scenarios," the Home Minister said. "All leads will be immediately followed, and findings will be shared with the public."
The country's Prime Minister posted condolences to the victims of the blast on a social media platform: "My thoughts are with those who have tragically lost loved ones in the blast earlier this evening. Wishing the injured a swift recovery."
The historic fort, a 17th-century monument, is one of the country's most visited tourist destinations. Situated a short distance from Parliament, it is the location where the nation's leaders give their annual Independence Day addresses.
The investigation into the incident is being led by the country's primary agency responsible for investigating terror-related incidents, along with other agencies.