Panic gripped Mestern Road in Kanpur on Wednesday evening after a powerful explosion occurred in two parked scooters, leaving eight people injured, including a woman.

The incident took place at around 7.15 pm in the Mishri Bazaar area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Mulganj police station. According to Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Ashutosh Kumar, all the injured have been admitted to Ursula Hospital for treatment. Two of the injured were sent home after receiving first aid, while four sustained serious burn injuries and two others suffered minor injuries and are undergoing treatment.

“Our forensic team is present at the scene, and we are investigating what could be the cause of this. We have traced the scooter, and enquiries will also be made with those who were riding it. Whether this is an accident or a conspiracy will only be known later,” Kumar said.

Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion that sent shockwaves through the busy market area, causing panic among shopkeepers and residents. The blast also damaged several nearby vehicles and shattered windowpanes of adjoining buildings. Police and forensic teams quickly cordoned off the site to collect samples and assess the extent of the damage.

Sources have revealed that officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are now in contact with the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) regarding the incident. An NIA team is expected to travel from Lucknow to Kanpur shortly to examine the site of the scooter blast.

Authorities are yet to determine whether the explosion was triggered by a mechanical fault, a gas leak, or the presence of any suspicious materials. Senior police and forensic officials have assured that the cause of the blast will be established soon, and appropriate action will follow based on the findings.

Source: India Today