Deadly Car Explosion Near Delhi’s Red Fort Kills at Least Eight

At least eight people have been killed and over 20 injured after a car exploded near Delhi’s historic Red Fort, officials confirmed.

The Delhi City Police said the blast occurred at around 18:52 local time (13:52 GMT) when a Hyundai i20, carrying three occupants, stopped at a red light before detonating and damaging nearby vehicles.

“We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation,” said India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the site and a nearby hospital. Forensic experts, along with teams from the National Security Guard (NSG) and National Investigation Agency (NIA), are investigating the explosion.

High Alert Across Northern India

Following the blast, security has been heightened in Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and other vulnerable areas. Uttar Pradesh, which borders Delhi, is home to densely populated cities and major tourist attractions, including the Taj Mahal.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha noted that the explosion occurred near a metro station adjacent to the Red Fort, one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks where Indian prime ministers traditionally give Independence Day speeches.

Eyewitness Accounts

Local businessman Veeru Sindhi, who was near the scene, described chaotic and devastating conditions.

“I am fully shaken by what I have seen. We tried to rescue people trapped inside the vehicles,” he told the BBC.

Another eyewitness described a moment of stunned silence immediately after the blast, followed by chaos as people fled the area.

National Reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families affected, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described the news as “extremely heartbreaking.”

Authorities continue to maintain a heavy security presence, with personnel from the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), NSG, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) actively securing the area as investigations continue.

Officials have stated that all options, including foul play, technical malfunction, or other causes, are being explored. A high-level meeting involving senior government officials is scheduled for Tuesday morning to review the situation.