8 dead, many injured in car explosion near India's historic Red Fort

Nov. 10 (UPI) -- A car exploded near the tourist-heavy and crowded Red Fort in New Delhi on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring 20 others, according to reports.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the explosion was being examined from all angles, India Today reported.

"Pained beyond words by the loss of life in a blast in Delhi," Shah said in a statement on X.

Shah visited the site of the blast and met with the hospitalized injured.

Related

• COP30 opens with goal of mobilizing $1.3 trillion in climate financing
• 5 bodies recovered among 7 climbers killed in Nepal avalanche
• Stampede at Indian temple kills at least 9, injures more than 25

"Top agencies are investigating the incident with full intensity, and will go in-depth into the incident," he said.

The New Delhi Fire Department responded to a 7:05 p.m. local time call about an explosion near Red Fort, The Hindu reported.

Images of the scene show several cars that were either damaged or destroyed by the blast.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha said the car, later identified as a Hyundai i20, exploded as it was stopped at a red light outside the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Authorities throughout the country have been put on high alert following the blast.

"Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi earlier this evening," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement.

"May the injured recover at the earliest."

The U.S. State Department South and Central Asian Affairs Bureau issued its condolences in a statement on X.

"We continue to closely monitor the situation," it said.

"Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured."

The Red Fort was built during the mid-17th century as a palace for the Mughal emperor, according to UNESCO.

It is located in Old Delhi, the historic center of the city, and is a popular tourist destination.