New Delhi: Chilling CCTV footage has surfaced capturing the exact moment a powerful explosion ripped through a car near Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing 12 people and injuring several others. The blast occurred when the vehicle, a slow-moving car, was halted at a traffic signal, setting off a chain reaction that gutted multiple nearby vehicles and left the area in chaos.
Explosion near Red Fort metro station
According to preliminary reports, the explosion took place at around 6:45 pm at one of the busiest intersections near the historic Red Fort. The car, identified as a white hatchback, burst into flames moments after coming to a stop at the signal. The powerful impact shattered the windows of surrounding vehicles and sent debris flying across the road.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as flames engulfed the vehicle within seconds. Local shopkeepers and commuters rushed to the scene to help the injured before the police and fire department arrived. “We heard a loud bang and saw smoke rising from the car. People were screaming and running for safety,” said a witness who was nearby.
CCTV footage under analysis
Investigators have obtained multiple CCTV clips from the vicinity, including footage from the Red Fort metro station, nearby shops and traffic surveillance systems. The video, which is now being analysed by the Delhi Police Special Cell and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), reportedly shows a sudden flash inside the car moments before the explosion.
Officials suspect the blast may have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) placed inside the vehicle. However, forensic teams are still examining the nature of the explosives used.
Casualties and damage
The explosion killed 12 people, including the car’s occupants and bystanders waiting at the signal. At least 20 others sustained injuries, several of whom remain in critical condition at nearby hospitals. Multiple vehicles parked or idling close to the blast site were reduced to charred shells. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after nearly half an hour.
Senior officials, including Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams, visited the site shortly after the incident. A high-level investigation has been launched to determine whether the explosion was accidental or part of a planned terror attack.
Security tightened across the Capital
Following the explosion, security has been heightened around all major landmarks in Delhi, including India Gate, Parliament complex, and Connaught Place. Metro and traffic police have also been directed to maintain strict surveillance near crowded areas and transit hubs.
Sources said the blast bears similarities to previous low-intensity IED explosions carried out using vehicles in urban areas, though investigators have not ruled out other possibilities, including a mechanical or gas-cylinder-related cause.
Investigation continues
The Delhi Police have formed multiple teams to trace the car’s ownership, route and potential connections. The vehicle’s number plate fragments and chassis details are being examined to identify its registration. Forensic experts are also analysing chemical residues from the site to ascertain the explosive composition.
Authorities are urging citizens to avoid spreading unverified videos or rumours on social media as the investigation progresses.