 "A sign reading \"Red Fort\" as emergency personnel work at the site of an explosion in the old quarters of Delhi. Reuters")
A blast in the heart of Delhi shook the national capital on Monday (November 10) claiming the lives of 13 people and injuring several others. Now, many of those injured are complaining about hearing loss and pain in the ear.
The blast victims have been admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital (LNJP) in different departments. So far, eight people have been identified out of the 13 people. India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) continued to lead the probe into the car explosion in the capital, now in its fifth day.
Injured people suffer hearing loss
Currently, there are 12 patients receiving treatment in the hospital, out of which six are in the isolation ward, four in the ICU, four in the neurosurgery unit, and one in the trauma centre, reported news agency PTI, quoting an official.
Md Safwan, a 28-year-old from Chennai, is suffering from pain in both ears, along with abrasions, swelling on his leg, and bruises.
Another 28-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, Shiva Jaiswal has hearing issues in both ears, burns on his arm, forearm, and face, along with multiple abrasions.
Doctor Devinder Rai, Senior Consultant, ENT Department, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that in such high-intensity blasts, the extent of the impact depends on several factors, including the distance from the explosion.
“Some people are also more prone to what we call ‘soft ears,’ meaning they are more sensitive to noise-induced trauma than others. The duration and intensity of the effect vary, often resulting in temporary or permanent hearing impairment and, in some cases, tinnitus — a persistent ringing sound in the ear,” he said.
PM Modi met blast victims
Earlier on Wednesday (November 12), Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the victims at LNJP Hospital.
In a clear display of outrage, Modi called the explosion a “conspiracy,” assuring the public with absolute certainty that everyone responsible would face the full force of the law.
“Went to LNJP Hospital and met those injured during the blast in Delhi. Praying for everyone’s quick recovery. Those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice!” Modi said in a post on X.
Blast rocked Red Fort area
A slow-moving vehicle on Monday stopped at a traffic light near Red Fort Metro Station around 6:52 pm and exploded. The blast hit vehicles and people in the vicinity. The person driving the vehicle has been identified as Umar Un Nabi.
“A DNA test has confirmed that the man who carried out the blast near Red Fort was Dr Umar Un Nabi. After the blast, his leg was stuck between the steering wheel and accelerator. His DNA sample matched with his mother,” the Delhi Police said in a statement on Thursday.
Umar has been linked to a ‘white collar’ terrorist module busted in a counterterrorism operation stretching from Jammu and Kashmir to Haryana to Uttar Pradesh.
With inputs from agencies