Car with 3 individuals approached traffic light, exploded suddenly: What we know about Delhi Red Fort blast

General view of the site of explosion in Delhi. (Image: Reuters)

At least eight people were killed and 24 others injured after a powerful explosion occurred near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort (Lal Quila) Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening, officials said, as reported by news agency PTI. The blast, which originated from a parked car, triggered fires in several nearby vehicles and caused panic in the busy area.

Multiple fire tenders and police teams rushed to the spot to control the blaze and assist the injured. The casualties were taken to LNJP Hospital for treatment. Senior officers from the Delhi Police Special Cell and forensic units are at the site to investigate the cause of the explosion. The area has been cordoned off, and the national capital has been placed on high alert.

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Massive fire, several vehicles gutted

According to the Delhi Fire Department, a call was received regarding a blast-like sound and fire near the metro station. “Three to four vehicles caught fire following the explosion. A total of seven fire tenders have been deployed at the site to bring the blaze under control,” a fire department official told PTI.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer A.K. Malik said, “We got information that there was a blast in a car near Chandni Chowk Metro Station. We responded immediately, and seven units were sent to the spot. At 7:29 pm, the fire was brought under control. There is a possibility that there are casualties in this. All our teams are present at the spot.”

Police confirm probe by multiple agencies

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said, “Today at around 6.52 pm, a slow-moving vehicle stopped at the red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged. All agencies, FSL, NIA, are here. Some people have died, and some have been injured in the incident. The situation is being monitored. The Home Minister has also called us, and information is being shared with him from time to time.”

Sanjay Tyagi, Delhi Police PRO, said the investigation is underway. “We need some time to give clarity on the number of casualties and the cause of the blast,” he told PTI.

Eyewitnesses recall chaos and panic

The explosion, which occurred in a congested area near the Red Fort Metro Station, was so powerful that it shattered the windows of vehicles parked several metres away and was heard across nearby buildings, officials told PTI.

“The blast occurred in a car parked near Red Fort Metro Station gate number 1. The intensity was quite high. Injuries are feared,” said a senior official of the Delhi Fire Service, adding that multiple vehicles caught fire after the explosion.

“I was at the gurdwara when I heard a strong sound. We couldn’t make out what it was — it was that loud,” said an eyewitness. “A number of vehicles nearby were completely damaged,” he added.

Another resident recounted, “I had come here to buy something when I heard a huge blast. The whole shop trembled. Several people were injured, and many were being taken away from the spot soon after.”

“When we came near, we saw body parts spread on the road. No one could figure out what happened. Several cars have been damaged,” said another local to ANI.

PM Modi reviews situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation following the explosion and spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah to get an update on the incident, government sources told PTI. “The situation is being monitored,” they added.

Amit Shah orders multi-agency probe

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said multiple investigation agencies have been deployed after a powerful blast near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station left several people injured and damaged vehicles in the vicinity.

“This evening, around 7 pm, a blast occurred in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort in Delhi. The blast injured some pedestrians and damaged some vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that some people have lost their lives,” Shah said in an official statement.

The Home Minister said security teams reached the site within minutes of the incident. “Within 10 minutes of receiving the information of the blast, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Delhi Special Branch arrived at the spot. The NSG and NIA teams, along with the FSL, have now begun a thorough investigation. Orders have been given to examine all nearby CCTV cameras,” he added.

Political reactions pour in

Expressing concern over the incident, BJP MP from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident of a car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station earlier this evening. This tragic occurrence in the heart of Delhi has caused great distress among citizens. I urge the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ascertain the cause and ensure such incidents do not recur.”

He also commended the Delhi Fire Department, Police, and emergency services for their quick response. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as rescue and investigation operations continue.

Blast linked to earlier explosives seizure under probe

The explosion comes just hours after the recovery of around 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate and a cache of arms and ammunition from the rented accommodation of a Kashmiri doctor in Haryana’s Faridabad, according to ANI.

The accused, Dr. Muzammil, a teacher at Al Falah University, was arrested by Haryana Police in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police. Explosive materials, weapons, and timers were seized from his residence. Officials said he was wanted in a terror case linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit in Srinagar.

Investigators are now probing whether the Faridabad explosives haul has any link to Monday’s blast in Delhi.