Delhi school blast heard 2 km away, explosives positioned for shockwaves: Sources

The explosion outside the CRPF Public School in Delhi’s Rohini earlier today was a directional blast and heard at least two kilometres away from the site, sources told India Today TV. The explosives were positioned in a manner to create a shockwave effect, which shattered windows of adjoining buildings and vehicles during the blast.
According to initial investigation, the solid or liquid explosive material, in such cases, is converted to very hot, dense and high-pressure gas, sources said. The explosive products initially expand at very high velocities in the surrounding air, causing shockwaves due to reflective pressure, they added.
A shockwave consists of highly compressed air, travelling radially outward from the source at supersonic velocities, sources further said, adding that windows of adjoining buildings and vehicles were shattered precisely due to this phenomenon.
According to sources, no metal-like substances, ball bearings or electronic devices were found at the site and the wall of the school was used for the explosion.
Sources said the blast possibly occurred to give a message due to various shops which are present in the area.
A loud explosion occurred near the CRPF school in Prashant Vihar, prompting action by multiple security agencies and the police, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Several shops and structures near the explosion site were damaged. However, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far.
According to police, a white powder-like substance was found near the wall of the school and the entire area has been cordoned off by the police. A team of NIA officials reached the spot to ascertain if there were any terror links behind the mysterious blast.
An FIR has been registered under the Explosives Act. CCTV footage around the area is being scanned to determine the sequence of events and ascertain the cause of the explosion.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi pointed fingers at the BJP over the explosion, saying it was the Centre’s responsibility to maintain law and order in the national capital. She asserted that the BJP leaders, instead, use “90 per cent of their energy” to create hindrances for the Delhi government.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought a report from the Delhi Police on the blast.