At least eight people have been killed and more injured after a car exploded near the Red Fort in Delhi, authorities have said.

Delhi City Police spokesperson, Sanjay Tyagi, confirmed the deaths, with additional reports indicating that 19 individuals have sustained injuries. Police are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, exploring all possibilities.

The incident occurred around 18:52 local time when a slow-moving vehicle, identified as a Hyundai i20, stopped at a red light before it exploded, damaging several nearby vehicles.

Mumbai, India's financial hub, as well as the bordering state of Uttar Pradesh, have been placed on high alert following the blast, emphasizing concerns over public safety.

The explosion occurred close to a metro station near the Red Fort, a major tourist destination and historically significant site in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims' families, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described the news as extremely heartbreaking. Federal Home Minister Amit Shah assured a thorough investigation will be conducted with local agencies and forensic teams on-site.

Security measures have been bolstered at sensitive locations, including religious sites, in light of the blast, as officials work to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

An eyewitness described a chaotic scene after the explosion, noting that he saw burning wreckage and people attempting to assist the injured. Authorities continue to gather information as the investigation progresses.