New Delhi: The death toll in the explosion near the historic Red Fort in the national capital has risen to nine, while 14 others have been injured, six of them critically. According to initial reports, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has assessed that the intensity of the blast was higher than initially believed.
Nine people lost their lives either on the spot or later at the hospital. The injured include pedestrians and shop workers from nearby establishments. The explosion occurred close to the Lal Qila Metro Station on the Delhi Metro’s Violet Line. The blast was so powerful that two parked two-wheelers were completely destroyed by fire, and eight cars sustained major damage.
Preliminary forensic examination of evidence collected from the scene suggests that a high-intensity Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used in the attack.
The explosive is believed to have been placed in an abandoned box or bag by the roadside, investigators said.
In response to the incident, Delhi Police have issued a high alert across the city. Security has been tightened at major locations, including Lal Qila Metro Station, railway stations, and the airport. The NIA is focusing its investigation on determining whether any terrorist organization was involved in the blast.
