Officials in India’s capital are investigating a deadly car explosion in a historic part of the city that killed at least eight people and injured many others.
The car exploded into a fireball near a New Delhi metro station Monday night. Officials were cleaning up broken glass and charred metal overnight, and police in and around the city were on high alert.
Here’s what we know about the explosion and the official response:
The car exploded near Delhi’s historic Red Fort.
Aftermath of an explosion near the historic Red Fort in the old quarters of Delhi
Aftermath of an explosion near the historic Red Fort in the old quarters of Delhi
The explosion took place near a metro station near Red Fort, a historic area in the nation’s capital known for its Mughal architecture, and specifically a fort that was built as part of a palace for a 16th century emperor.
Authorities say that a slow-moving vehicle exploded after stopping at a red light around 7 p.m. Monday. Footage of the aftermath broadcast by the Indian news media showed burned-out vehicles and crowds of people moving away from a car enveloped in flames.
Amit Shah, India’s home minister, said that the cause of the explosion was under investigation. “All angles are open at this point,” he said.
Security is tight in and around the city.
In the hours after the explosion, there was a heavy police presence near the blast site and police forces in and around New Delhi were on high alert.
Security was tightened at major transportation hubs, including the city’s metro system and its international airport.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
