(Image source from: ANI)

At least eight individuals lost their lives and 20 more were harmed in an explosion close to the famous Red Fort in a crowded area of Delhi, the police of the city reported. The blast happened in a car near the 17th-century Mughal fort, but the specific reason for the explosion is still unknown. Bystanders recounted hearing a loud blast that shattered windows, with one person stating they had never experienced such a sound before. Indian authorities are looking into this deadly car explosion under a strict law aimed at combating terrorism, according to local news sources that referenced a case filed by the investigators. On Monday, Federal Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned that "all possibilities" are being examined. In the meantime, many states and important facilities are on high alert. Police reported that a slow car which halted at a traffic light exploded just before 7 PM local time, leaving behind disfigured bodies and the wrecks of multiple vehicles on a busy street near a metro station.

The blast took place just before 7 PM last night and is thought to have come from a Hyundai i20 car that was stationary at a traffic light, as stated by Home Minister Amit Shah. The explosion caused a fire that spread to several nearby vehicles and rickshaws. "A slow car stopped at a red light and then an explosion occurred in that car, damaging other nearby vehicles as well," said Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha. Images from the scene depicted shattered glass, twisted metal, and flames engulfing the cars. The explosion left dismembered bodies and damaged cars scattered around the area, while police and investigators secured the zone and pushed away increasing crowds. Om Prakash Gupta, a nearby resident, told The Associated Press that he heard the blast from his home: "I hurried outside with my children and saw multiple cars in flames and body parts scattered everywhere." Officials stated that those injured are receiving care at a nearby government hospital.

Local authorities announced today that the Red Fort will be closed for three days, from November 11 to 13. "The inquiry into the event is ongoing but has not yet been finished," said the head of the local police station, informing the Archaeological Survey of India and requesting that the historic location be closed to visitors. Around 30 to 40 ambulances were dispatched to the Red Fort explosion site as the entire area was sealed off after the fire was extinguished, according to a witness from Reuters. The witness also noted that the twisted remains of the vehicles were visible in the aftermath of the explosion.