NEW DELHI: A massive car blast near Lal Qila Metro Station, directly opposite the historic Red Fort, sent shockwaves across the national capital on Monday evening (November 10). The explosion, which occurred around 7 pm, led to a major fire and panic among commuters and tourists in the crowded Old Delhi area. Authorities have confirmed at least one fatality, while several others are feared injured.
Blast near Lal Qila Metro Station
According to officials, the blast took place at Gate No. 1 of Lal Qila Metro Station, close to the Gauri Shankar Mandir and opposite the Red Fort. The area, which is usually packed with evening crowds, turned chaotic following the loud explosion that could be heard several kilometres away. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with people running for safety as flames engulfed multiple vehicles.
Delhi Fire Service officials said they received a distress call at 7:05 pm, after which seven fire tenders were rushed to the site. “A vehicle caught fire following a blast near Lal Qila Metro Station. The situation is under control, and rescue operations are ongoing,” a DFS spokesperson said.
High alert across Delhi
Following the explosion, Delhi Police and security agencies placed the city on high alert. Given the location’s proximity to the Red Fort — a high-security zone from where the Prime Minister delivers his Independence Day speech — security protocols were swiftly activated.
Teams from the National Security Guard (NSG) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have been deployed to examine the blast site. Senior officials, including the Delhi Police Commissioner and Fire Chief, reached the spot to supervise rescue efforts and collect evidence.
“An investigation is underway to determine whether it was an accident, a mechanical failure, or an intentional act. Nothing can be ruled out at this point,” said a senior Delhi Police official.
Eyewitness accounts
Local residents and commuters described the explosion as sudden and powerful.
“I saw flames rising near the metro gate. The sound was so loud that my windows shook. Within seconds, people started shouting and running in all directions,” said Rajdhar Pandey, who lives nearby.
Another eyewitness, Rina Sharma, who was returning from Chandni Chowk, said, “There was a car on fire, and we heard two smaller explosions afterward. The heat was intense, and people were scared to go near.”
Videos circulating on social media showed vehicles ablaze, with thick black smoke billowing into the air. In one video, at least one body could be seen lying near the burning cars, though officials have yet to confirm the total number of casualties.
Traffic diversions and metro shutdown
Traffic movement around Red Fort, Daryaganj, and Chandni Chowk was immediately halted. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily suspended entry and exit at Lal Qila Station as a precautionary measure.
“Entry and exit at Lal Qila Metro Station have been restricted temporarily due to a security incident outside the premises. Trains will continue to run on the line,” DMRC stated in a brief advisory.
Police have urged citizens to avoid the area until further notice and to refrain from sharing unverified videos or information on social media.
Investigation underway
Initial reports suggest that the explosion originated from a parked car, though the exact trigger is yet to be determined. Bomb disposal squads and forensic teams are examining vehicle debris to identify the cause.
An officer from the Delhi Fire Service said, “The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. Several cars were damaged, and one was completely charred. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.”
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area, including cameras installed near the metro gate and Red Fort periphery. Police sources said that terrorism has not been ruled out, but it is too early to draw conclusions.
Public and political reactions
News of the blast sparked widespread concern, with political leaders calling for calm and urging a thorough investigation.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a statement, “This is a deeply disturbing incident. I have directed the police and fire officials to ensure all possible assistance to the victims. The truth must come out at the earliest.”
Opposition leaders also demanded enhanced security measures around national monuments and public spaces, especially in the run-up to the winter tourist season.
Conclusion
The car blast near Red Fort has once again highlighted vulnerabilities in high-footfall areas of the national capital. While the situation is now under control, the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement as forensic teams work to determine the nature of the blast.