India’s defense minister vowed that those responsible for Tuesday’s car blast in Delhi, which killed at least eight people and injured 19 others, “will be brought to justice.”
“The premier agencies of the country are conducting a prompt and thorough investigation into the incident, the findings of which will be made public soon,” Rajnath Singh said at a conference in the capital, while assuring that “those responsible for this tragedy will be brought to justice and will not be spared under any circumstances.”
No official cause was immediately known after the explosion occurred late Monday near a metro station, spreading flames to several vehicles in the Red Fort district of Delhi’s old city.
At dawn on Tuesday, white police sheets had been placed around the remains of the vehicle, AFP journalists present at the scene reported.
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Scientific and anti-terrorism police were searching for evidence and combing through charred rubble, while security was tightened in the city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured to “study the situation” with Home Minister Amit Shah and other officials.
“My condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the Delhi blasts, wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Modi said in a statement.
“People are burning”
“The information we received from LNJP Hospital shows that so far eight people have died and 19 people have been injured,” said Deputy Fire Chief AK Malik.
“I saw the car explode while it was driving,” said 27-year-old Dharmindra Dhaga. “People were burning and we were trying to save them… Cars were burning, people in cars were burning,” he added.
“I shouted to the people to save them, rescue them and get them out. They were busy making videos and taking photos. »
At the hospital, the injured flocked to the emergency department.
A woman collapsed in front of the ward where her husband was being treated. “I can’t see it like that,” he said, supported by his brother.
In a statement, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called news of the blast “very disappointing”.
The Red Fort, built in the 17th century, is a symbolic monument of the Indian capital. It adorns banknotes and it is from the fort that the Prime Minister addresses the nation on Independence Day.
