A powerful car explosion ripped through a busy area near the Red Fort monument in Delhi on Monday evening, killing at least ten people and injuring more than thirty others, according to local authorities.
The blast took place close to a metro station near the historic fort, one of the capital’s most visited landmarks. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as fire and smoke filled the air, and several vehicles caught fire within seconds.
Explosion During Evening Rush Hour
The incident occurred around 6:42 p.m. local time, when a slow-moving vehicle came to a halt near a traffic signal and suddenly erupted in flames. The explosion ignited nearby cars and auto-rickshaws, sending a shockwave across the crowded street.
Emergency services were alerted immediately, and multiple fire trucks, ambulances, and police units rushed to the site. It took more than 20 minutes to bring the blaze under control. At least six vehicles and several motorbikes were destroyed in the fire.
A doctor at Lok Nayak Hospital said many of the injured suffered severe burns and shrapnel wounds. “Several victims are in critical condition. Some have extensive burns and are receiving intensive care,” the doctor confirmed.
Police Investigation Underway
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha told reporters that the cause of the explosion is still under investigation. “We are examining every possible angle. Forensic experts have been deployed, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being collected,” he said.
The area around Red Fort has been completely sealed off. A large police presence remains on-site to prevent further incidents. Authorities are also verifying whether any explosives were stored or transported in the vehicle.
Witnesses Describe the Scene
Residents nearby said they heard a thunderous sound followed by heat and smoke rising into the night sky. “There was a deafening blast, and the ground shook,” said a shop owner whose store faces the main road. “Flames engulfed everything within seconds.”
Another eyewitness was riding a motorcycle during the explosion. He said people ran in panic. Debris scattered across the street. “The blast threw me off my bike. When I stood up, I saw cars burning and people screaming for help,” he recalled.
Government Response
India’s Home Ministry announced that an emergency response team is coordinating with the Delhi Police. The team is also working with the local fire department to assess the damage. Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to visit the site for a security briefing.
Officials confirmed that the National Security Guard (NSG) and forensic specialists have been called in to assist with the investigation. “We will not speculate on the cause until a detailed report is available,” a government spokesperson said.
Ongoing Situation
The explosion occurred during Delhi’s busy evening rush hour, when the area is typically crowded with commuters and tourists. Police have asked residents to avoid the vicinity of the Red Fort. They should stay away until the site has been cleared. It must be declared safe.
As of late Monday night, the death toll stands at ten, with over thirty others receiving medical treatment. Authorities said the number of casualties will rise as more information becomes available.
Forensic teams are analyzing fragments from the vehicle and nearby debris. They aim to determine if the explosion was caused by a mechanical fault. They are also investigating the possibility of a gas leakage or an improvised explosive device.
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