New Delhi: At least 10 feared dead in explosion

At least 10 people were feared killed in a powerful explosion that rocked central New Delhi today, television reports said.

At least 40 people were injured and taken to hospital after the explosion in the crowded Paharganj neighbourhood of the Indian capital, New Delhi Television said.

The blast took place in the main Paharganj market in the evening, when it was filled with shoppers ahead of a major Hindu festival next week, the fire brigade said.

Paharganj is a busy wholesale market, dotted with small, inexpensive hotels frequented by foreign travellers, particularly backpackers.

All roads to the scene of the explosion were sealed off by authorities.