Mumbai Central blast: Crude bomb likely

The possibility of the explosion at a food plaza in Mumbai Central station on Friday, injuring 24 people, being caused by a crude bomb increased with McDonald's claiming that its air-conditioning and gas piping systems were 'still intact'.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the air-conditioning systems - equipment and ducting at the restaurant, are intact. The gas cylinder, gas piping and all kitchen equipment are also intact," Amit Jatia, managing director, McDonald's (Western India) said on Saturday in a statement in Mumbai.

However, the Railway Police is awaiting the report of forensic experts regarding the nature of the explosion.

"We have not yet arrived at any conclusion regarding the cause of the blast. We are not ruling out the possibility of the use of a crude bomb in the explosion," Railway Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria said in Mumbai on Saturday.

"We can arrive at a conclusive report only after examining the chemical analysis of the forensic experts. We expect the report to come in soon, possibly by this evening," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Gita Kopikar, the Dean of Nair Hospital where some of the injured were admitted, said, "The victims are out of danger. Few of them had suffered superficial burns while one of the victims had suffered an eye injury resulting from splinters. None of the patients had any internal organ damage."

"Most of the patients were allowed to go home after first aid. Out of the remaining six who were admitted for more serious injuries, two were discharged today," she said.

"We have also recovered small and big nails embedded in the flesh of the victims and also some wire pieces. The objects have been handed over to the police for further chemical analysis," Kopikar said.

The railway police commissioner asked passengers to report about unclaimed objects lying in railway premises.