At least six people injured in blast in northern India hospital

[News_Editor]

At least six people injured in blast in northern India hospital

2011-09-18 20:59:16 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW DELHI (BNO NEWS) -- At least six people were injured on Saturday after a low intensity blast inside a private hospital in the northern Indian city of Agra, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported on Sunday.

The blast occurred when a crude bomb exploded, ripping through the reception area of the 70-bedded hospital located about 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) from the Taj Mahal. The explosive is believed to have been placed in a cloth bag under the seat at the reception counter.

The blast blew out window panes in the reception area where 10 to 15 people were seated on chairs. Police said six people suffered minor injuries and all were being treated in the hospital itself.

Union home secretary RK Singh said battery and wires were found at the site of the explosion. "[it] seems like a low intensity blast. Investigations need to be done," he said.

Patients were evacuated from the hospital and police cordoned off the site. Security around the famed Taj Mahal has been enhanced, according to the newspaper.

The incident comes less than two weeks after a bomb blast outside the High Court in the Indian capital of New Delhi killed at least 12 people and injured over 70. Shortly after the attack, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called on all political parties and all of India's people to unite and fight against this "long war" against terrorism.

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