Mumbai: Two car bombs exploded in the crowded areas of the metropolis in quick succession on August 25 killing 46 people and injuring over 150, in the first such incident after the March 1993 serial blasts, which had claimed 257 lives.

The bombs hidden in the boots of two taxis went off in five minutes interval at Zaveri Bazar, famous jewellery market in South Mumbai at 1:00 p m and at the parking lot of Gateway of India in the heart of the city during the lunch hour rush triggering tension in the commercial hub of the country.

Immediately after the explosions, the sixth since December 2002, security forces in Maharashtra and neighbouring Gujarat were put on high alert.

Eye-witness accounts said the powerful blast at Gateway of India shattered the glass panes of Taj Mahal hotel and Anushakti Bhavan, housing the office of department of Atomic Energy, located nearby.

Maharashtra Health Minister Digvijay Singh said 28 bodies were brought to J J hospital, 14 to St George's and three to G T hospital.

About 85 people were admitted with serious injuries in J J hospital, 38 in G T and 28 in St George's.

J J hospital witnessed a gory sight with mutilated bodies and blood splattered all around. The seriously injured were admitted with splinters all over their bodies.

City Police Commissioner R S Sharma said the explosions appeared to be the handiwork of terrorists but so far no one has claimed responsibility for the blasts.

PTI