NEW DELHI – Authorities in India are delving into the fatal car explosion that rocked New Delhi, launching an investigation under the nation’s anti-terrorism legislation. Officials made this announcement on Tuesday as forensic teams continued their efforts to identify the explosion’s cause.

The blast erupted near the iconic Red Fort late Monday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least eight lives and leaving several individuals injured.

Senior law enforcement officers, speaking under the condition of anonymity due to the case’s sensitive nature, disclosed to The Associated Press that the investigation has been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This legislation grants investigators enhanced powers to apprehend potential suspects.

During a pre-arranged visit to Bhutan on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his commitment to uncovering the truth behind the incident.

“Those behind this heinous act will not escape justice,” Modi declared, emphasizing that all responsible parties will face consequences.

Police said the explosion was believed to have originated from a Hyundai i20 car that had stopped at a traffic signal. Nearby vehicles were badly damaged, and photos showed shattered windows, twisted metal and flames engulfing several cars.

Police were trying to trace the car’s owner. There was no immediate information about the occupants, who were believed to have been killed.

Home Minister Amit Shah said Monday that “all angles” were being investigated and that security agencies would reach a conclusion soon. He said footage from cameras in the area would play a key role in the investigation.

Major train stations, including in Mumbai and in Uttar Pradesh state, which borders New Delhi, were put on security alert. The security force responsible for guarding key installations in the capital, including New Delhi’s international airport, metro system and major government buildings, said its personnel had also been placed on security alert.

A former imperial palace, the Red Fort is a sprawling Mughal-era complex and a major tourist attraction in the Old Delhi section of the city. Located about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Parliament, the 17th-century monument is a symbolic location where Indian prime ministers deliver their Independence Day speeches on Aug. 15 each year.

The area around Red Fort is typically crowded, serving as a main route to the bustling bazaars of the old city.