At least eight people were killed and more than twenty injured after a car exploded near the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, triggering panic in one of the capital’s busiest zones.
According to Delhi Police, the explosion took place at 6:52 pm, when a slow-moving vehicle halted at a red light near the Red Fort Metro Station and suddenly blew up. The cause of the blast remains under investigation, with officials stating that they are “exploring all possibilities.”
Explosion triggers chaos in crowded area
The blast site, located near the main gate of the Red Fort, was crowded with evening commuters and tourists at the time of the incident. The explosion caused a massive fire, damaging several nearby vehicles and shattering glass fronts of adjacent shops.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as people ran for safety. “There was a loud noise and flames shot up. We saw a car in flames and people screaming for help,” said a shopkeeper near the scene. Emergency services and bomb disposal squads were immediately deployed to the area.
Police cordoned off the site, diverting traffic and sealing nearby entry points as part of the ongoing forensic examination.
Investigation underway; Red Fort closed for three days
Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora confirmed that multiple teams, including members of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), are assisting in the probe. “The cause of the explosion has not been confirmed yet. We are examining all angles, including mechanical failure, sabotage, or use of explosives,” Arora told reporters.
Authorities have temporarily closed the Red Fort to visitors for three days as investigators collect evidence and analyse CCTV footage from the vicinity. Security has also been tightened around major monuments, markets, and metro stations across the national capital.
High-level security review by Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday morning to review the situation. Senior officials from the Delhi Police, NIA, and Home Ministry attended the meeting, during which Shah directed agencies to conduct a “comprehensive and coordinated” investigation.
“The government is exploring all possibilities behind the blast. No conclusion should be drawn until the final forensic and intelligence reports are received,” an official said after the meeting.
Tourist hub under scrutiny
The Red Fort area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts thousands of visitors daily. Its proximity to Chandni Chowk and other busy markets has made it a sensitive zone for security agencies.
Authorities are now reviewing security protocols for heritage sites across the capital. Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Delhi Police are expected to jointly recommend upgraded surveillance measures, including additional CCTV coverage and controlled vehicular access.
Victims identified; compensation announced
Of the eight people killed, six have been identified, including two local shop workers and a delivery agent. More than twenty others were injured, several of them suffering severe burns.
The Delhi government has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed grief over the tragedy and said the government will extend all possible assistance to the victims’ families.
Conclusion
As investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events, the Red Fort blast has once again highlighted the urgent need for enhanced urban surveillance and coordinated intelligence sharing. Police have urged the public to avoid speculation and report any suspicious activities to authorities as the probe deepens.