Eight dead in explosion near Red Fort in Delhi

SAJJAD HUSSAIN / AFP

At least eight people were killed in an explosion near the landmark Red Fort in a densely populated district of the Indian capital New Delhi.

The blast occurred in a car near the Red Fort, but the exact cause was not immediately known, and was being investigated, city police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi said.

Visuals on local media showed flames and smoke billowing from more than one vehicle in what was described as a congested street located near a metro station in the old part of Delhi.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the blast took place minutes before 7:00 pm (1330 GMT).

"A slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged," he told reporters.

"The situation is being monitored," headded.

At least six vehicles and three autorickshaws caught fire, Delhi's deputy fire chief said, adding that the flames had been doused by firefighting teams.

The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Qila, is a 17th-century, Mughal-era fort located in the old city and visited by tourists through the year.

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