Delhi serial blasts: 20 dead, 90 injured

New Delhi, Sep 13: 20 persons were killed and scores injured when a series of blasts rocked crowded market places in Central and South Delhi this evening.

The blasts occurred in Karol Bagh Ghaffar market, Connaught Place and Greater Kailash areas in close succession in a span of 40 minutes at 6 20 pm leading to panic in these areas. Fire brigade officials said nine people have died in the Ghaffar market blast. A huge noise caused by a blast followed by heavy smoke at the Gaffar market in Karol Bagh led to panic in the area.

Initially, police played down the incident saying the noise was caused by a CNG cylinder blast in an autorickshaw. However, it was soon followed by another blast at Gopal Das Building in Connaught Place. Sources said the intensity of the blast led to damage to several motor vehicles parked in the vicinity. Many people were also reported injured in the blast Soon after, there was a blast in the M Block market in Greater Kailash followed by another at gate number one at Palika Bazar.

Twelve persons have been reported injured near Palika Bazaar in Connaught Place area. The first blasts occurred in Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh followed by blasts in the Gopaldas Building and Palika Bazar in Connaught Place and M Block market in Greater Kailash. Several fire engines have been deployed at the blast sites, fire brigade officials said.

Ammonium Nitrate tied to integrated circuits is believed to have been used in the explosions.

UNI