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.”

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

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Dr. Manish Kumar Jha of Lok Nayak Hospital said many victims sustained severe burns and traumatic injuries. “More than 30 people are badly injured, and many are not in a position to recover,” he told reporters.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after the blast, which occurred around 6:42 p.m. local time (5:42 a.m. ET) near a metro station close to the Red Fort—a 17th-century Mughal-era landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts millions of visitors each year.

Police Probe Possible Causes as Security Tightened Nationwide

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. However, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said airports, railway stations, government offices, and heritage sites across India have been placed on high alert as a precaution.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has urged American citizens to avoid the affected area and to steer clear of large public gatherings until further notice.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the blast occurred after a “slow-moving vehicle came to a stop near a red light.” Moments later, the car exploded, igniting several nearby vehicles. “The passengers in the vehicle and people in surrounding vehicles were impacted,” Golcha said.

Reuters reported that at least six cars and three autorickshaws were engulfed in flames following the explosion. Delhi’s deputy fire chief said crews received the first emergency call at 6:55 p.m. and quickly extinguished the blaze.

Authorities Vow Comprehensive Investigation

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the blast site and later met victims at the hospital, said the government is “monitoring the situation closely.” He confirmed that investigators will examine surveillance footage from nearby cameras to determine the sequence of events.

“We are investigating the explosion from every angle,” Golcha told reporters. “No possibility is being ruled out at this stage.”

Footage circulating on social media and Indian news channels showed motorcyclists and pedestrians rushing toward the scene as massive flames rose into the night sky. Local residents described the sound of the explosion as deafening.

“We heard a big sound. Our windows shook,” one resident told NDTV, according to Reuters. Another eyewitness, Rajdhar Pandey, said he saw the fire from his home. “There was a loud explosion. I live nearby,” he told CNN News-18.

National Leaders Express Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those killed, calling the explosion “deeply tragic.” In a post on X, Modi wrote, “My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest.”

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also described the incident as “painful and disturbing,” adding, “Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Historic and Strategic Significance of the Red Fort

The Red Fort—known locally as Lal Qila—is one of India’s most iconic monuments, built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It serves as a central site for India’s Independence Day celebrations, where the prime minister traditionally hoists the national flag each August 15.

Located in the heart of Old Delhi, the area surrounding the Red Fort is typically crowded with locals, tourists, and commuters, especially in the evening hours when the explosion occurred.

The blast has revived memories of past security concerns in the capital. Delhi has faced sporadic incidents of violence and explosions over the years, often prompting temporary security lockdowns around key landmarks.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Advisory

Authorities have urged residents to avoid speculation while investigations continue. “The situation is under control,” said Delhi Fire Services official Sumit Kumar. “Emergency response teams acted promptly to contain the fire and transport victims to nearby hospitals.”

Police have cordoned off the area, and forensic experts are examining debris from the wreckage to identify explosive materials, if any.

As of Tuesday morning, no group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Officials said a detailed report will be released once preliminary findings are verified.

The Red Fort and its surrounding district remain under restricted access while investigators work at the site. Security forces have been deployed throughout central Delhi, and additional patrols are in place across other major Indian cities.

Source: CNN – Car blast kills at least 10 people near historic Red Fort in India’s Delhi 

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