A car explosion near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on Monday killed at least eight people and injured at least 19 others. No tourists were reported harmed, nor the UNESCO site damaged. The 17th-century Red Fort monument is one of India’s most high-profile tourist attractions.
The blast, which triggered a fire that damaged several vehicles parked nearby, took place near one of the gates of the Red Fort metro station, the fire services said. The cause is being investigated.
New Delhi’s international airport, metro stations and government buildings were placed on a high security alert after the explosion, the government said.
Images from the scene showed some shattered windowpanes and mangled pieces of vehicles while plumes of fire billowing from the burning cars.
Home Minister Amit Shah told local media that a Hyundai i20 car exploded near a traffic signal close to the Red Fort. He said CCTV footage from cameras in the area will form part of the investigation.
“We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account,” Shah said. “All options will be investigated immediately, and we will present the results to the public.”
The investigation is being conducted by the National Investigation Agency, India’s federal terror investigating agency, and other agencies.
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