New Delhi witnessed a horrifying Monday evening when a high-intensity explosion ripped through a Hyundai i20 car parked near Red Fort Metro Station around 7 PM. The powerful blast left Ten people dead and at least 18 injured, sending shockwaves across the national capital.
The explosion, which occurred close to the high-security Red Fort area, shattered windows of nearby vehicles and buildings. The loud blast triggered panic among locals and commuters, as flames engulfed several vehicles in the congested Subhash Marg area.
“The blast occurred in a car parked near Red Fort Metro Station Gate No. 1. The intensity was quite high, and injuries are feared,” a senior Delhi Fire Service official said.
Police, Fire, and NSG Teams Rush to the Spot
Within minutes of the incident, Delhi Police, NSG (National Security Guard), NIA (National Investigation Agency), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams reached the site to conduct a detailed investigation.
Seven fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, while police cordoned off the area and urged people to avoid spreading unverified information.
Visuals from the scene showed mangled cars, scattered debris, and plumes of smoke rising from the metro station vicinity — one of Delhi’s busiest corridors.
Car Owner Detained; Chain of Ownership Under Scrutiny
According to Gurugram Police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar, the vehicle involved was originally registered to a Gurugram resident named Salman, who had sold it to a man named Devender, a resident of Okhla, over a year ago.
Both individuals are now being questioned by Delhi Police, who are tracing subsequent sales of the car to establish the complete chain of ownership.
“We have handed over Salman to the Delhi Police. Devender has been arrested. Both are being questioned to trace the car’s history,” Kumar said.
Summary — Key Highlights
- A car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station kills eight, injures at least eighteen.
- NSG, NIA, and Delhi Police’s Special Cell jointly investigating the cause.
- Owner of the vehicle detained; probe underway into car’s chain of ownership.
- PM Modi, HM Amit Shah, and President Murmu express condolences; high alert sounded in Delhi and neighboring states.
Government Response and High-Level Monitoring
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in constant touch with Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited LNJP Hospital to meet the injured victims and later arrived at the blast site.
In a media statement, Amit Shah confirmed that all investigative agencies are working in coordination and that “no possibility has been ruled out yet.”
“We have launched a thorough investigation, keeping all angles open,” Shah said, adding that the cause of the explosion will be determined soon following forensic analysis.
President Droupadi Murmu, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, and several political leaders expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. CM Gupta urged Delhi residents to “avoid rumors and maintain peace,” assuring that all possible assistance is being provided to victims.
Nation on Alert
Following the blast, Delhi Police issued a citywide high alert, while neighboring states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra were also put on alert.
Security has been tightened at metro stations, railway hubs, airports, and major public spaces across the NCR region.
The CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) stated that installations in the National Capital Region, including Delhi Metro, Red Fort, and IGI Airport, have been placed under heightened security surveillance.
Eyewitness Accounts: ‘The Sky Turned Red’
Eyewitnesses described the blast scene as “terrifying.”
A bystander, Amit Mudgal, recalled,
“I was talking to someone when suddenly there was a massive explosion. Flames shot up into the sky. Moments later, I saw a man’s hand land just a few feet behind me. The sky had turned red.”
Nation Mourns, Leaders React
From President Murmu to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, and Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, tributes and condolences poured in across the nation.
Actor Sonu Sood wrote on X,
“My heart reaches out to everyone impacted by today’s tragic blast near the Red Fort. Let’s support the victims and commit to peace.”
Political leaders, including Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, Mahua Moitra, and Aaditya Thackeray, called the incident “deeply painful” and demanded a swift and transparent investigation.
Investigation Underway: Cause Yet to Be Confirmed
While authorities have not yet confirmed whether the explosion was caused by a bomb or mechanical failure, sources indicate that forensic teams are examining traces of possible explosive material.
Former DGP A. K. Jain said,
“It’s too early to conclude whether it was a terror attack. The forensic report will be crucial. Multiple arrests have recently been made in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and UP, so we must remain alert.”
What Lies Ahead
A high-level meeting at the Home Ministry is scheduled for Tuesday morning to review the investigation’s progress.
Meanwhile, Delhi residents are urged to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and rely only on verified updates from official channels.
The Delhi Red Fort blast stands as one of the most shocking incidents in recent memory — a grim reminder of the need for constant vigilance and robust intelligence coordination.
As investigations continue, the capital remains on edge, united in grief, resilience, and the hope that justice will soon prevail for the victims of this devastating tragedy.