Blast at Delhi High Court; 9 dead, at least 45 injured

Delhi: A blast took place at 10:15 am this morning at the Delhi High Court at Gate no 5. Authorities have confirmed that at least nine people have died, and at least 45 have been injured; some of them have reportedly been seriously burnt. The injured have been taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Police say the bomb was kept in a suitcase near a counter where those entering the court get passes made that permit entry into court. Early reports indicate that it was not a crude blast that a sophisticated explosive device was used and the blast was of medium to high intensity.

The explosion occurred outside gate No 5 where 100 to 200 people were waiting in queue to get passes for entry into the court complex. (Watch: Delhi High Court blast - Eyewitness account)

The High Court has been evacuated, a team of the National Security Guard (NSG) have reached the spot and policemen are checking cars near the court to ensure there are no more explosives around.


Meanwhile, Mumbai has been put on high alert.

The police control room received a phone call from the court at about 10.15 am requesting help. The blast took place just before the court opened for hearings. Ambulances are at the court now to help rush those injured to hospital. Five fire engines are also at court. (First pics of the blast)

Court business is usually heavy on Wednesday which is listed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) day when the visitors come to the court in large numbers.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to handle the investigation. Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm to allow government to collect information and make statement on the blast. Home Minister P Chidambaram will make a statement in Parliament on the blast.

In May this year, a blast took place in a parking lot near the cafeteria of the High Court. At that time, nobody was injured.