Three explosions rocked crowded districts in India's largest city Mumbai last night, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 100. The death toll was originally given as 21 but was later revised down.
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India's home ministry has called the co-ordinated blasts a “terror attack”, the first in India's financial hub since militant gunmen laid siege to the city three years ago, killing more than 160.
One explosion was in the busy central Mumbai neighbourhood of Dadar, another at the Jhaveri Bazaar, while the third was at the Opera House district, popular with tourists.
The Opera House blast was the most powerful, police said, but all three areas were reportedly busy with rush hour commuters at the time of the explosions.
Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said the blasts occurred between 6.45pm and 7.04pm.
“Therefore we infer this is a co-ordinated attack by terrorists.
“The entire city has been put on high alert,” he said, urging residents to remain calm.
Residents of the city were also asked not to go to the blast sites, for fear the crime scenes would be contaminated.
Late last night, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan confirmed the death toll, but warned it might rise.
“We are not speculating that who could have done it but this is an attack on the heart of India and the people of Mumbai are facing a new attack with calm and are maintaining peace,” he told a local TV station.
An open online spreadsheet was set up for residents in the city, where people offered places to stay, car rides or phones to call loved ones.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd condemned the attacks, saying “wanton acts of terrorism have no place in the civilised world”.
“Australia stands in solidarity with India at this most traumatic time.”
Australian consulate officials are on the ground in Mumbai, but it is believed no Australians have been injured or killed.
US President Barack Obama condemned the blasts as “outrageous” and said the US stood ready to help.
“The American people will stand with the Indian people in times of trial, and we will offer support to India's efforts to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice,” he said in a statement.
A spokesman for the Pakistani government said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani condemned the attacks on Mumbai and expressed sympathy with the Indian leadership for the loss of lives.
Mumbai is still recovering from the harrowing siege of three years ago.
In November 2008, militants stormed the city by boat, launching at least 10 co-ordinated bombing and shooting attacks. They laid siege to two of Mumbai's largest hotels for more than 60 hours, killing 166 people.
Only one gunman was captured alive. Ajmal Kasab was sentenced to death last year. He remains in custody. There is speculation the attacks were launched to coincide with his 24th birthday, but it is not clear when his birthday is.
The attacks, which were later discovered to have been planned in Pakistan - and rumoured to be supported by the Pakistan's intelligence agency - seriously strained relations between India and Pakistan.
India broke off peace talks with its neighbour and nuclear rival. Formal relations have only been resumed this year. The countries' foreign ministers are due to meet for talks later this month.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also adjusted its travel advisory to India.
"There have been no reports to date of any Australians injured in the three explosions that occurred in Mumbai," a DFAT spokeswoman said.
"The Australian Consulate in Mumbai is liaising closely with authorities and will provide consular assistance should it be required."
People concerned about family or friends in Mumbai are asked to first try and contact them directly, before calling the consular emergency centre 1300 555 135.
- with Stephanie Gardiner and agencies
