At least 8 killed in explosion near Red Fort in India's New Delhi

New Delhi (Web Desk): A powerful blast shook the area surrounding New Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday, leaving at least 8 dead and injuring several others in one of the capital’s busiest localities, the Indian media reported.

Videos broadcast by local channels captured scenes of fire and heavy smoke rising from several vehicles along a packed street near a metro station in the old quarters of Delhi.

Firefighters and police personnel promptly arrived to tackle the blaze and cordon off the site.

As per the city police spokesperson, the blast, which erupted from a vehicle near the historic site, has prompted a full-scale investigation as authorities work to determine its cause, said city police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi.

Local media footage showed intense flames and smoke rising from multiple vehicles on a crowded street near a metro station in the old city district.

According to Delhi’s deputy fire chief, six cars and three autorickshaws were set ablaze, but fire crews swiftly brought the fire under control.

As per city police spokesperson, the blast erupted from a vehicle near the historic site, has prompted a full-scale investigation as authorities work to determine its cause.

Local media footage showed intense flames and smoke rising from multiple vehicles on a crowded street near a metro station in the old city district.

According to Delhi’s deputy fire chief, six cars and three autorickshaws were set ablaze, but fire crews swiftly brought the fire under control.

Police were seen trying to disperse onlookers who had gathered around the blast site.

The Red Fort, locally called Lal Qila, is a 17th-century Mughal fortress and one of India’s most renowned heritage attractions, drawing visitors from across the world throughout the year.