At least 13 people were killed and 24 others injured in a massive explosion near the historic Red Fort in India’s capital, New Delhi. The blast occurred around 6:52 p.m. on Monday (November 10) near the Red Fort metro station in a Hyundai i20 car.
According to Delhi Police, it was an extremely powerful explosion. Severed bodies and wrecked vehicles were scattered across the scene following the blast, which damaged a total of nine vehicles.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the explosion took place in a slow-moving car stopped at the Red Fort traffic signal, with passengers inside. The blast also caused nearby vehicles to catch fire.
Deputy Chief of Delhi Fire Services A.K. Malik said seven fire units were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the blaze was brought under control by 7:29 p.m.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) have already launched a joint investigation into the incident. In response, high alert has been declared in several states including Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Kerala.
The injured have been taken to Lok Nayak Jayaprakash (LNJP) Hospital in Delhi, where relatives of victims gathered in large numbers.
Police and security forces have cordoned off the entire Red Fort area. As of now, the cause of the explosion and those responsible remain unknown.