Car Blast Near New Delhi’s Red Fort Kills at Least 8, Sparks Security Alert
A car explosion near New Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday claimed eight lives and injured at least 19 others, authorities said. The blast, which also ignited nearby vehicles, prompted heightened security across key areas of India’s capital as investigations into the cause began.
Blast Rocks Historic District
The explosion occurred near one of the gates of the Red Fort metro station, sending plumes of fire into the air and damaging several parked vehicles, according to the city’s fire services. The cause of the blast remains under investigation.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with bystanders running for safety as vehicles burned. “I rushed out with my children and saw several vehicles on fire, body parts all over,” said Om Prakash Gupta, a local resident. A taxi driver, identified only as Shahrukh, said he heard a “loud explosion” and fled the scene with others on the street.
Casualties and Emergency Response
New Delhi police confirmed eight fatalities, while the fire department reported 19 people injured, all of whom are being treated at government hospitals. Emergency services worked quickly to contain fires and secure the area.
Images from the scene showed shattered windows, mangled vehicles, and thick smoke rising from the site, underscoring the force of the blast. Authorities have cordoned off the area around the Red Fort to prevent further risks to civilians.
Security Measures and Government Statements
Following the incident, New Delhi’s international airport, government buildings, and metro stations were placed on high security alert. Home Minister Amit Shah identified the vehicle involved as a Hyundai i20 near a traffic signal close to the Red Fort. Shah said CCTV footage from nearby cameras will be crucial in the ongoing investigation.
“We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all options into account,” Shah told reporters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences on social media, writing: “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi earlier this evening. May the injured recover at the earliest.”
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Red Fort: Symbolic and Strategic Location
The 17th-century Red Fort, located in Old Delhi, is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of India’s heritage. It lies roughly six kilometers (3.7 miles) from the Parliament, and the Prime Minister delivers annual Independence Day speeches from the site each August 15.
The proximity to government institutions underscores the potential security implications of the blast. Local media footage captured the immediate aftermath, with police cordons surrounding the area to restrict civilian access and facilitate investigations.
Ongoing Investigation
The National Investigation Agency, India’s federal counter-terrorism agency, is leading the probe into the blast, alongside other security and intelligence agencies. Authorities are reviewing CCTV recordings, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence to determine the cause, while keeping all investigative avenues open.
Officials have yet to confirm whether the explosion was accidental or deliberate, and public safety warnings remain in place around the Red Fort and surrounding streets.
Impact and Public Concern
The attack has heightened tensions in India’s capital, raising concerns about the safety of both residents and tourists near high-profile landmarks. The government has urged the public to remain vigilant while security forces continue their investigations.
As emergency crews and investigators work at the site, the focus remains on providing medical care for the injured, ensuring public safety, and determining the motive and origin of the explosion.
Source: AP News – Car blast near New Delhi’s historic Red Fort kills at least 8 people, India’s police say
