The explosion of a car at a busy station has killed at least eight people and sparked panic among the crowd. Firefighters rushed to Red Fort Metro Station in New Delhi, India, after a vehicle was destroyed by the force of the blast. The Delhi Fire Department deployed seven fire engines to tackle the blaze, which is believed to have be caused by the explosion.
Shocking videos posted on social media captured the burnt out vehicles and debris left across the street and police and paramedics attend to the scene. Delhi police said eight people have died and many more are injured, currently receiving treatment in the LNJP hospital.
The blast went off at around 6.55pm local time near Gate 1 of the station – a busy transport hub next to one of India’s most visited landmarks, the Red Fort.
The Delhi Police Special Cell and a forensic team are investigating the incident, as the cause of the explosion is not yet clear.
According to India TV News, authorities are considering the possibility of it being a cylinder or battery-related blast.
Witnesses described the horrifying experience and aftermath, with one local saying they saw “body parts spread on the road”.
One told ANI: “I never heard such a loud explosion ever in my life. I fell three times due to the explosion. It felt as if we were all going to die.”
Another said: “When we came near, we saw body parts spread on the road. No one could figure out what happened. Several cars have been damaged.”
Others areas of India such as Mumbai, Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are now reportedly on high alert.
