A massive car explosion rocked the heart of India’s capital late Monday near the iconic Red Fort, killing at least eight people and injuring 20 others in a chaotic blast that ignited multiple vehicles and sent crowds fleeing in panic.
At least 13 people have been killed and 20 injured in a car blast that took place on Monday night close to the Red Fort in India’s capital, New Delhi.
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The incident unfolded around 6:50 PM (6:30 PM PKT) at Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, a bustling tourist hub in Old Delhi’s congested Chandni Chowk area. A slow-moving Hyundai i20 with Haryana plates halted at a red light when it detonated, suspected to be packed with ammonium nitrate-based explosives. The fireball engulfed six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws, shattering windows and mangling metal across the historic Mughal-era site—a UNESCO World Heritage landmark where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation annually on Independence Day.
Delhi Police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi confirmed: “Eight people have been killed in the explosion.” Witnesses described the horror: “We heard a big sound, our windows shook,” one resident told NDTV. E-rickshaw driver Suman Mishra recounted to Reuters: “I was at the metro station… when I heard an explosion. People started running helter-skelter.” Shopkeeper Wali Ur Rehman added to ANI: “I fell from the impact—it was that intense.”
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Firefighters doused the flames within minutes, while 30–40 ambulances rushed victims to Lok Nayak Hospital. The site remains cordoned off, with crowds dispersing under heavy police presence. The Red Fort is closed for three days; Chandni Chowk market shutters Tuesday.
Police Commissioner Satish Golcha invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Act, signaling a terrorism probe. A previous owner named Salman was detained, and the car’s recent sale to a Pulwama, Kashmir resident is under scrutiny. The blast follows a Haryana raid seizing 2,900 kg of bomb-making materials, including 360 kg of ammonium nitrate, with two arrests.
Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences on X: “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones… Those affected are being assisted by authorities.” He reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah, who dispatched Delhi Crime Branch, Special Branch, National Security Guard (NSG), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams within 10 minutes. Shah vowed: “We are exploring all possibilities… All options will be investigated immediately.”
High alerts blanketed Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh; nationwide airports, railways, and heritage sites ramped up security. The US Embassy issued avoidance advisories; China and Bhutan offered condolences and prayers.
This marks Delhi’s deadliest blast since the 2011 High Court bombing (12 killed). As forensics teams sift wreckage, the nation mourns—and braces for answers.
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