Car slowed down at traffic signal, and exploded; Red Fort area cordoned off, Chandni Chowk closed

NEW DELHI: A high-intensity blast at 6.52 pm near Gate No. 1 of the busy Delhi Lal Qila (Red Fort) Metro Station on Monday rocked the national capital. So far, nine people have been killed and around 30 injured in the incident. The car, which was slowing down, stopped at a traffic signal and then exploded. Unconfirmed reports suggest that there were multiple people inside the car.

Following the incident, a high alert has been issued in Delhi. An alert has also been sounded in neighbouring states. Police suspect this to be a terrorist attack. Traffic has been banned in the area. Locals say that the sound of the explosion was heard up to a kilometre away. Following the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Delhi Police Commissioner. After this, he apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the situation.

The major markets in Delhi were asked to shut down immediately. Chandni Chowk will not function tomorrow. National Investigation Agency (NIA), including NSG Bomb Squad, is camping at the blast site. Reports suggest that the blast in Delhi was carried out using an IED. Several fire brigade vehicles are continuing rescue operations at the blast site. It is learnt that several people were sitting in vehicles near the blast site.

Security has been tightened in major cities of the country in the wake of the Delhi blast. Strict checks have been ordered at railway stations, airports and public places. DGP Ravada Chandrashekhar issued strict orders to beef up security in Kerala as well.