A massive explosion ripped through a parked car near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Old Delhi on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring several others. The blast, which occurred close to one of India’s most iconic landmarks, has triggered a citywide security alert and a full-scale investigation by Delhi Police and central agencies.
Chaos Near the Capital’s Heritage Zone
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the explosion shattered nearby windows, set multiple vehicles ablaze, and sent debris flying across the busy street. “There was a deafening sound, followed by a fireball. Cars caught fire one after another,” said a shopkeeper from the nearby Chandni Chowk area.
Videos circulating online show plumes of thick black smoke rising near the metro station entrance as firefighters battled the flames. Several passersby were seen rushing to help victims before emergency services arrived.
Delhi Fire Service officials confirmed that seven fire tenders were deployed immediately to control the blaze and prevent further casualties. The area has been completely sealed off and metro services near Red Fort have been temporarily suspended as a precaution.
Deaths and Injuries Confirmed
According to hospital sources, at least eight fatalities have been confirmed so far, with several more people being treated for severe burns and blast injuries. The exact number may rise as rescue operations continue through the night.
Officials said some of the injured were pedestrians and vendors from the nearby market, while others were metro commuters caught in the explosion.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Top Delhi Police officials, including members of the Special Cell and forensic teams, have reached the site. Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion originated inside the parked car, but the cause of the blast remains unclear.
Investigators are not ruling out any possibilities, including the chance of an improvised explosive device (IED) or a mechanical malfunction. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and the vehicle’s registration details are under examination.
The National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been put on standby. Sources said samples have been collected from the site to determine the type of explosive material used.
Heightened Security Across Delhi
Given the proximity of the blast site to the Red Fort, a symbol of India’s sovereignty and a high-security zone, security has been tightened across the National Capital Region.
Police presence has been increased at major transportation hubs including railway stations, metro interchanges, and tourist attractions such as India Gate and Connaught Place. Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads have been deployed for precautionary sweeps.
Traffic in central and north Delhi was heavily disrupted as roads were blocked and metro access restricted. Commuters have been advised to avoid the Red Fort and Daryaganj areas until further notice.
Government and Public Response
Delhi Chief Minister and Union Home Ministry officials have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a thorough investigation. The Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and intelligence agencies.
Social media platforms were flooded with videos of the explosion, many showing residents in panic as sirens blared and people scrambled for safety. Authorities have urged citizens not to share unverified information and to remain calm while official statements are awaited.
What Lies Ahead
As forensic experts comb through the wreckage, questions remain over whether the explosion was a terror attack or an accident. The capital has been on heightened alert in recent months due to increased intelligence inputs about potential threats to public spaces.
For now, the city remains tense but vigilant. The Red Fort blast serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities surrounding India’s historic and symbolic sites, and the urgent need for strengthened urban security in one of the world’s busiest capitals.
