Car-bomb explosion in Delhi shocks nation; 13 dead, death toll likely to rise

NEW DELHI: A car-bomb explosion in the national capital Delhi has shocked the nation. Authorities suspect it to be a suicide terror attack. Thirteen people, including those inside the car, lost their lives in the tragedy.

Yesterday at 6:52 p.m., a white Hyundai i20 exploded with a massive blast near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, close to the Red Fort. More than 25 people were injured, and the condition of around 15 of them is extremely critical. They are being treated at LNJP Hospital. The death toll is likely to rise.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially confirmed that eight people have died so far. Because the bodies of those inside the car were torn apart, it is still not clear how many people were in the vehicle. Vehicles in front of and behind the car caught fire, killing passengers and bystanders. Among the dead, Ashok Kumar from Uttar Pradesh has been identified.

A slow-moving car came to a halt at the Subhash Marg traffic signal and suddenly exploded. It was an IED blast. The car, registered in Haryana as HR 26 CE 7674, is owned by Mohammad Salman from Gurugram. He and a few others have been taken into custody. Salman reportedly said he sold the car to a man named Tariq from Pulwama. A bullet was also recovered from the site.

Eight cars, four auto-rickshaws and several two-wheelers were reduced to fireballs. More than 20 fire brigade units brought the blaze under control by 7.29 p.m. The blast has raised concerns because it occurred soon after 360 kg of ammonium nitrate and advanced weapons were seized in Faridabad, Haryana. A red alert has been declared in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock. High alert has been issued across the country.

Kerala has also issued a strong alert. Security has been tightened at major locations. Checks were carried out at railway stations and bus stands last night.

Body parts scattered across the road
This is one of the busiest trading areas near Chandni Chowk. As the Red Fort is closed to visitors on Mondays, the number of casualties was lower than it might have been. Glass windows of nearby buildings were shattered.

People were horrified to see body parts scattered on the road. Hand fragments and other remains lay on the street. Witnesses said the explosion was heard even two kilometres away. People screamed and ran. The smell of explosives filled the area.

NIA to investigate
The NIA, NSG and the Delhi Police Special Cell have started an investigation. Bomb squad, forensic teams and dog squads reached the site. CCTV footage has been examined, and officials say they have obtained some crucial leads.

A sensitive location
The blast took place near the Red Fort, where the Prime Minister addresses the nation on Independence Day. Central agencies are treating the incident very seriously. PM Modi reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah, who also spoke with the Delhi Police Commissioner. Several major cities, including Mumbai, and the election-bound state of Bihar, have been placed on high alert.

What is an IED?
Terror groups have used IEDs in several attacks, including the Pulwama attack. It is a quickly assembled explosive device, also known as a roadside bomb.