World
Amritsar District Implements Citywide Blackout Amid Reports of Explosions
Amritsar, India— The Amritsar district administration has reinitiated a precautionary blackout across the city, urging all residents to remain indoors and refrain from gathering outside.
The directive follows reports of loud explosions in various parts of the city, particularly in the vicinity of the Amritsar airport.
According to the District Public Relations Officer (DPRO), the blackout is being enforced as a measure of utmost caution.
Citizens have been instructed to switch off all external lights and avoid any outdoor activity until further notice. The DPRO emphasized, “Please stay at home, do not panic, and ensure all outside lights are turned off.”
The entire city is currently experiencing a power outage, consistent with blackout protocols.
Multiple loud blasts were reportedly heard earlier in the evening, prompting heightened security measures and a swift response from emergency services.
While no official confirmation has been provided regarding the source of the explosions, authorities are actively monitoring the situation and conducting investigations to determine the cause.
Residents are advised to stay calm, adhere strictly to official instructions, and follow updates through trusted government communication channels.
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — A powerful car bomb detonated near Mall del Sol in Guayaquil resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local authorities.
The blast, which sent shockwaves across the bustling commercial district, is being investigated as a possible terror or organized crime-related attack amid Ecuador’s ongoing struggle with rising gang violence.
The explosion occurred near one of the main entrances of Mall del Sol, one of Guayaquil’s largest and busiest shopping centers, located in the north of the city.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction as a vehicle parked along the roadside suddenly erupted into flames, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the air.
Surveillance footage and videos shared on social media captured the moment of the detonation, showing debris flying across the street as nearby cars were engulfed by the blast.
Several storefronts and vehicles in the vicinity were heavily damaged, and windows shattered across multiple nearby buildings.
Initial reports from emergency responders indicate that several people were killed, and multiple others sustained serious injuries.
The exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed as rescue operations continue.
Firefighters, police, and medical teams quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and extinguishing the burning vehicles. Paramedics transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities evacuated the surrounding area to ensure public safety.
Officials from Ecuador’s National Police and Armed Forces have launched an immediate investigation into the attack. Early indications suggest that explosives were deliberately placed inside a parked vehicle, though authorities have not yet disclosed details about the type of device used or any possible suspects.
The Attorney General’s Office and anti-terrorism units are leading the forensic examination of the blast site. Authorities have increased security across Guayaquil and other major Ecuadorian cities, fearing possible coordinated attacks.
Ecuador’s Minister of the Interior condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of violence intended to spread fear among citizens.” The government pledged to bring those responsible to justice and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security amid escalating gang-related violence in the region.
Residents are urged to avoid the Mall del Sol area as the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information on the number of victims and the circumstances leading up to the explosion.