Indian authorities are investigating the cause of a powerful explosion in Delhi that left at least eight people dead and several others injured, with police saying they are exploring “all possible angles” — including industrial negligence, sabotage, and accidental causes.
The blast occurred late Sunday evening in a densely populated area of the national capital, tearing through nearby shops and residential buildings. Witnesses described hearing a loud boom followed by chaos as flames and thick smoke engulfed the street. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, pulling victims from the debris as firefighters battled the blaze for hours.
Initial reports suggest the explosion may have originated from a chemical or gas cylinder storage site, though investigators have not ruled out other possibilities. Forensic teams have been deployed to collect samples, and officials say a detailed report will be released once laboratory tests are complete.
Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora said authorities are “examining every lead,” adding that the crime branch and anti-terror units are also assisting with the probe. “It’s too early to confirm the cause, but we are leaving nothing unchecked,” he told reporters.
Local residents have expressed anger over safety lapses in the area, claiming that illegal chemical storage and poor regulation have long been ignored by authorities. Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced compensation for the victims’ families and ordered a high-level inquiry.
As rescue operations continue, officials have cordoned off the blast site and urged people to avoid spreading unverified information. The tragedy has once again raised questions about urban safety standards and enforcement in one of India’s most crowded cities.
