India, Nov. 10 -- A powerful explosion ripped through a car near the Red Fort in the heart of Delhi on Sunday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring 24 others, LNGP hospital told IBNS.

The blast, which occurred close to Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, triggered a massive fire that engulfed several nearby vehicles and sent panic through the heavily crowded area.

According to visuals, the explosion was so intense that it reduced the vehicle, a Swift Dzire, to mangled metal and shattered windows in the vicinity.

Three to four other vehicles parked nearby also caught fire, sustaining severe damage.

"All agencies, FSL, NIA, are here. Some people have died, and some have been injured in the incident. The situation is ...