BREAKING- Delhi Car Explosion Near Red Fort Kills at Least 8, Injures Dozens

NEW DELHI-  powerful explosion ripped through a car parked near Gate No. 1 of Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring over two dozen others in a shocking incident that sent shockwaves through the bustling tourist hub.

The blast, which occurred around 7:45 p.m. IST, ignited multiple vehicles and triggered widespread panic, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of fire, smoke, and frantic crowds fleeing the high-security zone.

Initial reports suggest the device detonated inside a white sedan, causing a fireball that engulfed three to four nearby cars and damaged surrounding infrastructure. “It was a very powerful explosion,” a senior police source told NDTV, noting the intensity that propelled debris across the street and shattered windows in adjacent shops.

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At least eight fatalities have been confirmed so far, including commuters and passersby, with 24 others rushed to nearby hospitals like Ram Manohar Lohia and GTB, many suffering from burns, shrapnel wounds, and smoke inhalation.

Rescue operations, involving over seven fire tenders, ambulances, and teams from the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, were underway late into the night, with the area cordoned off under a red alert. High alert has been sounded across Delhi and neighboring Uttar Pradesh, with security forces deploying National Security Guard (NSG) commandos and National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths to probe potential terror links. Eyewitness accounts painted a harrowing picture.

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“There was a loud bang, like thunder, and then flames everywhere—people screaming, cars burning,” recounted Rajesh Kumar, a local vendor who captured chaotic footage on his phone showing thick black smoke billowing from the site.

Videos circulating on social media depicted responders battling the blaze amid honking traffic and dispersing crowds, with one clip showing a charred vehicle frame amid twisted metal.

The timing of the blast—mere hours after authorities busted a terror module in nearby Uttar Pradesh with 360 kg of explosive material—has heightened suspicions of foul play.

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Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora addressed the media briefly, stating, “We are treating this as a serious security breach. Forensic teams are on site, and all leads are being pursued.”

No group has claimed responsibility, but the incident echoes past attacks in the capital, including the 2020 Republic Day violence at the Red Fort itself. In response, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Minister Kapil Mishra cut short their attendance at the Bharat Parv festival in Gujarat to return and oversee operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office issued a statement expressing condolences and vowing “swift justice,” while Home Minister Amit Shah convened an emergency meeting with top intelligence officials.

Metro services at Chandni Chowk and nearby stations were suspended, and additional checkpoints were erected across key landmarks like India Gate and Connaught Place.

This tragedy strikes at the core of Delhi’s vibrant old city, a UNESCO site drawing millions annually for its red sandstone walls and historical resonance. As investigations deepen, questions swirl over security lapses in one of India’s most fortified areas.

Families of the victims gathered outside hospitals, demanding answers, while the nation braces for more details in what could be a pivotal probe into urban vulnerabilities.

This story is developing; check back for the latest update.