Delhi CRPF School Blast: Chemical odor and white smoke raise bomb concerns as probe intensifies

Delhi Police investigate school blast, probe use of bomb-like material

A powerful explosion early October 20 morning in Delhi's Rohini district filled the air with a chemical-like odour and sent thick white smoke billowing across the neighbourhood, triggering panic among residents in Paschim Vihar. The blast, which occurred near a CRPF school in Prashant Vihar, shook homes hundreds of meters away.

Authorities responded swiftly, with fire brigade teams cordoning off the area as investigations began. Initial reports, as reported by Business Standard, suggest the explosion might have been caused by a homemade bomb, though forensic experts are still conducting tests to confirm the specifics.

Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Delhi Police secured the area, while forensic experts gathered samples to determine the cause of the explosion reported around 7:50 AM, reported PTI.

Authorities indicated that a school wall, nearby shops, and a car sustained damage. In light of the festival season, security measures in Delhi have been heightened.

The blast, first reported around 7:45 a.m., resulted in significant damage to a school wall and nearby structures. According to the Delhi Police, a PCR call alerted them to the explosion, which had shattered the glass of local shops and damaged a car parked nearby. "Fortunately, no one was injured," police said in a statement.

Forensic experts discovered a suspicious "white powder" at the scene and have sent it to the laboratory for analysis. They also collected soil samples, according to officials.

"A senior police officer noted that the white powder might be a combination of ammonium nitrate and chloride. After the blast, there was a strong chemical odor that was noticed by local residents and responding police officials. Our teams are investigating the situation thoroughly."

Another senior official mentioned, "We can only determine if it’s some type of explosive after a comprehensive examination. We suspect that a crude bomb may have caused the explosion."

Delhi Police stated that they are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and gathering mobile network data to identify individuals who were near the site during the explosion, which is believed to involve a crude bomb.

"The white powder could be a mixture of ammonium nitrate and chloride. There was a foul smell of chemicals after the blast. Local residents and police officials who rushed there also felt the same. Our teams are investigating the entire matter," a senior police officer said.

NSG commandos have deployed robots to search the area for any explosive materials.

"NSG, NIA, and Delhi Police have secured the entire vicinity. The Delhi Police is already on high alert due to the festival season and is filing an FIR under The Explosives Act," an official stated.

Senior police officers, including those from the crime branch and Special Cell, along with the fire brigade, arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion was reported.

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) indicated that they received a call about a blast "near the boundary wall" of the CRPF school.

"The SHO of Prashant Vihar and their team arrived at the scene, where the school wall was damaged and a foul odor was present. Nearby shop windows and a parked car were also found damaged, but fortunately, no injuries were reported," officials stated.

Another senior police officer added, "Our bomb disposal teams are examining the surrounding area. We have alerted nearby police stations to enhance vigilance and conduct checks. Foot patrols have also increased in various markets."

"We urge everyone to immediately report any suspicious items to the police." Local residents rushed out of their homes and shops after hearing the explosion.

"Initially, we thought an LPG cylinder had exploded nearby. We quickly notified the police and fire brigade. Many shop windows shattered," said a local resident.

Rakesh Gupta, a nearby resident, expressed confusion about the incident. Sumit, who owns a sunglasses shop close to the explosion site, reported, "The windows of my shop shattered, and everything inside fell to the ground. It was a very powerful blast."