NEW DELHI: Political leaders across parties expressed grief and shock after at least eight people were killed and several others injured in a car explosion near gate number 1 of Red Fort Metro Station on Monday. Urging the government to conduct a thorough and time-bound investigation into the incident. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the news of the explosion was “extremely heartbreaking and concerning.” In a post on X, he wrote: “The report of the deaths of several innocent people in this tragic incident is profoundly sorrowful. In this hour of grief, I stand with the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and express my deepest condolences to them. I hope for the swift recovery of all the injured.”Also read: 8 killed in explosion; top cop says slow-moving car burst into flames at traffic signalWest Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply shocked” by the blast. “My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones and I pray for strength and a swift recovery for all those injured,” she said.Also read: ‘Saw a hand on road’: Eye witnesses recount moments after Delhi blast – watchCongress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the explosion “extremely heartbreaking.” Posting on X she said, “May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”Congress’ media and publicity chief Pawan Khera, described the incident as “deeply distressing.” He added, “Early reports indicate that several lives have been lost. In this hour of grief, we stand with the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The government must ensure a thorough and speedy investigation into the incident.”Also read: Blast near Red Fort: 24 injured, toll may rise – what we know so farThe former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed his condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened to learn about the loss of so many precious lives.” He added, “My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families… Prayers for the swift recovery of those who have sustained injuries.”Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab deputy CM said the perpetrators “must be swiftly brought to justice.” “Deeply shocked by the tragic blast near Red Fort in Delhi. The culprits behind this heinous act must be swiftly brought to justice – no mercy for those plotting terror,” he said, extending condolences to the victims’ families.According to the Delhi fire department, the explosion triggered a fire that engulfed multiple nearby vehicles. Seven fire tenders were deployed to contain the blaze, while teams from the Delhi police special cell and other security agencies reached the site.Police and forensic teams have begun investigating the cause of the explosion, while a high alert has been issued across multiple states including the national capital.