Blast outside Red Fort: No splinter wounds, no crater at spot, say cops

Over a dozen vehicles were gutted in fire, and occupants killed. Moments later, body parts were scattered up to 100 metres from the spot.

NSG commandoes, in their signature black overalls, arriving at the blast site. (Express Photo/Gajendra Yadav)

Around 6.30 pm on Monday, the area around the Red Fort and the Chandni Chowk market, located a few steps away, were bustling with people. Minutes later, a white Hyundai i20 car arrived. A blast occurred as soon as it headed towards the main red light intersection near the monument.

Over a dozen vehicles were gutted in fire, and occupants killed. Moments later, body parts were scattered up to 100 metres from the spot.

Police said that an initial investigation suggested that the victims did not sustain any splinter wounds, and that there was no crater at the spot either.

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However, the explosion was said to be powerful enough to affect shops and metro stations, and partially or completely damage vehicles — with windows cracked or shattered, airbags out, bonnet cracked, tyres flattened.

Officers from the Special Cell and the Crime Branch inspected the site, along with FSL officials. On the road opposite to the blast site, stood a line of cars with visible signs of damage as well.

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