Explosion Near Kanpur's Markaz Masjid Leaves At Least Six Injured

At least six people were injured in an explosion near Markaz Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on Wednesday, officials said.

The cause of the blast was not known. A forensic team has reached the site for examination, preliminary reports said.

The entire market was shaken by the blast, causing a stampede, according to the reports. An official confirmation on the stampede situation was awaited.

"This incident took place around 7:15 PM... A total of six people are injured, including one woman. All are undergoing treatment and are out of danger," Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Ashutosh Kumar told news agency ANI.

"In the Mishri Bazaar area under the Mulganj police station, two scooters were parked today in which a blast occurred," he added.

"We have traced the scooter, and inquiries will also be made with those who were riding it. Whether this is an accident or a conspiracy will only be known later," the official added.

Police Commissioner of Kanpur Raghubir Lal told PTI that the blasts took place in two scooters parked in Mishri Bazar. The injured were rushed to hospital. Two of them were discharged after first aid and two are undergoing treatment for burn injuries.

Lal said the incident is being investigated from all possible angles.

"Since Diwali is approaching, we are exploring the possibility of a firecracker-related explosion as well," he said, adding that a terror angle is also not being ruled out.

A bomb disposal squad, forensic experts and anti-sabotage teams are at the spot to comb the site and collect samples.

Intelligence units have been tasked with analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to identify any possible suspects, police said.

The blast damaged the walls of nearby shops.

A shopkeeper, Mohammad Uwais said, "We were sitting inside the shop when suddenly there was a loud blast. People were startled and items of shops were scattered all over the road."

(With PTI inputs)