At least eight people were killed in an explosion involving a vehicle near the historic Red Fort in central Delhi, India's capital city.

Local police said the cause of the blast is still under investigation. At least 20 people were reported injured, local television channels stated, as emergency services rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals.

According to reports, the explosion took place shortly before 7.00 p.m. near a traffic junction in the Old Delhi area. Police told media that a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a traffic light when the explosion took place, damaging several nearby vehicles. Six vehicles and three three-wheelers caught fire following the blast. The area surrounding the incident site was cordoned off.

Following the incident, high security alerts were issued in Mumbai and the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh, according to Indian media reports.

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 17th century, is among India’s most significant landmarks and the venue from which the Prime Minister delivers the Independence Day address each year.