Tragic Explosion Near Delhi’s Red Fort Leaves City in Shock

A sudden explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening left eight people dead and at least twenty injured, shaking the capital and triggering widespread alarm. The blast occurred around 6:50 PM IST near Gate 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, one of the busiest spots in Old Delhi.

The Incident

Witnesses heard a loud blast and saw flames shoot from a Hyundai i20 car stuck in traffic on Subhash Marg. The explosion threw debris across the street and broke nearby windows. “It felt like the ground moved—everyone started running,” said a fruit vendor who works near the metro station.

Firefighters and police officers reached the area within minutes. The flames engulfed the car and damaged several nearby vehicles before crews brought the fire under control.

Emergency Response

Officials sent eight fire engines and multiple ambulances to the scene. Paramedics moved the injured to LNJP Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital for treatment. Police sealed off the roads around Red Fort to manage crowds and secure the site.

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said the situation was under control but warned residents to avoid spreading rumors. “We are coordinating with central agencies to determine what triggered the blast,” he told reporters.

Investigation Underway

A special team from the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) began collecting evidence soon after the fire died down. Investigators say the blast started inside the vehicle, though the exact cause remains unclear. Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory are testing chemical samples for traces of explosives.

Police have detained the registered owner of the car and are checking CCTV footage from nearby streets. The authorities are not ruling out any possibility, including sabotage or mechanical failure.

Government and International Reaction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and promised financial help for affected families. Home Minister Amit Shah ordered a high-level review of Delhi’s security and deployed additional forces to major public areas.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi urged its citizens to avoid the Old Delhi area until officials complete their investigation. Security personnel have increased patrols around metro stations, tourist hubs, and markets.

A City On Edge

The explosion struck during the festive shopping season, a time when Old Delhi stays crowded late into the evening. Shop owners closed early as investigators worked through the night.

Many Delhi residents gathered online to express sorrow and demand stronger safety measures. For now, the city waits for clarity while honoring those who lost their lives in a place known for its history and resilience.

More…

• https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cly94zlpl8yt
• https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/10/world/new-delhi-explosion-red-fort-intl
• https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-red-fort-blast-live-updates-hyundai-i20-in-delhi-blast-was-sold-to-a-man-from-kashmirs-pulwama-9611456