Three blasts in busy commercial areas of Mumbai

MUMBAI: Three concurrent blasts on Wednesday evening had shaken Mumbai within minutes of each other, said police.

According to sources chief minister Ashok Chavan has said 18 people dead, while more than 100 injured.

Police sources said the nature and intensity of the blasts was not known. The ministry has confirmed it is a terror strike.

The first explosion took place in south Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar, near the famous Mumbadevi temple, in which some people were injured, said Mumbai Police spokesperson Nisar Tamboli. The bustling market also has a number of jewellery shops.

The second explosion was reported in a taxi in Dadar area in central Mumbai, he said.

The third blast was reported from south Mumbai’s Opera House in Charni Road after 7pm.

All three areas are busy commercial and residential areas, and were bustling with people and traffic during the evening peak hours when the explosions took place.

The communication network has been jammed. People are unable to get through phone lines in the city.

An NIA team has been sent for Mumbai. All states have been put on high alert. A parked car bore the brunt of the blast in Dadar.

Police teams quickly moved into the three places. In New Delhi, the home ministry put the National Security Guard (NSG) on alert.