At least 13 people were killed and 24 injured in a powerful explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station in central Delhi on Monday evening, officials said.
The blast occurred in a moving Hyundai i20 car near the Red Fort traffic signal around 6:52 pm, which triggered chaotic scenes and panic in one of the busiest areas of the capital. According to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the car came to a halt at the traffic signal when the explosion took place.
“The blast occurred in a slow-moving vehicle that came to a halt near the Red Fort signal. There were occupants inside the car and the explosion damaged several vehicles in the vicinity,” Golcha said while briefing the media at the site.
The blast had a strong impact, flinging mangled bodies, burning car parts, and debris all over the road.
Eyewitnesses described it: “There was a deafening sound, a wave of fire, and smoke engulfed everything.” “We saw flames rising from the cars, people screaming, running in panic. It was terrifying,” one witness reportedly said, standing near the Metro gate when the explosion occurred.
Emergency Response and Security Measures –
The Delhi Fire Services said 20 fire engines were immediately dispatched to the scene after the explosion was reported. Firefighters battled the blaze as police and paramedics rushed to rescue the injured and control the growing crowd. “The area has been completely cordoned off, and cooling operations are underway,” a DFS official confirmed. A high alert has been declared across the national capital. The key installations, metro stations and public areas have been put under enhanced surveillance. Teams from the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Delhi Police Special Cell have reached the site and are conducting preliminary investigations. Forensic experts are collecting samples to determine the nature of the explosive used and whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate act of terror.
Scene of Destruction –
Visuals emerging on social media show thick spirals of flames and smoke emitting from burning cars near the Red Fort Metro Station. Several cars around, as well as auto-rickshaws, were charred while glass was scattered all over the street. The area, usually bustling with tourists and office people at that time, suddenly turned into a disaster zone as emergency teams arrived. The authorities have asked people not to spread unauthenticated news on social media and avoid the Red Fort area as the rescue operation and forensic examination are going on. All central Delhi hospitals, including LNJP and Lok Nayak, are on alert to deal with casualties.
Investigation Underway-
Though the reason for the explosion is yet to be ascertained, senior police officials said it was too early to confirm whether it was a terror-related incident. The NSG and NIA are expected to join the probe shortly.
The Home Minister, Amit Shah, has been briefed about the situation and has directed the agencies concerned to ensure an investigation into this incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is monitoring the developments and also sent condolences to the families of the victims.
As of now, the area around Red Fort Metro Station remains sealed, and the traffic has been diverted.
