An explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening caused panic among locals and commuters in the area. At least eight people dead and several others injured, triggering panic in the high-security area and prompting a high security alert. The incident occurred close to Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, where a parked car reportedly exploded, setting off a fire that spread to eight nearby vehicles reportedly. 15 CAT ambulances were rushed to the spot.
A team from the Delhi Police Special Cell, led by senior officers and the DCP, has arrived at the scene to oversee the ongoing investigation. High Alert has been issued in the National Capital, Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh.
Although the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, the incident comes only hours after authorities dismantled an interstate terror network linked to banned outfits. During that operation, officials seized over 2,900 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, a key ingredient in explosive manufacturing. Investigators had earlier revealed that the group intended to target Delhi with hundreds of powerful IEDs crafted from the confiscated material.
According to officials from the Delhi Fire Department, they received a call reporting the blast shortly after the explosion took place. According to the Delhi Fire Department, they received a call about the explosion at around 6:55 pm. Multiple fire tenders and police teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. The firefighters swiftly brought the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading further. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far.
“I never heard such a loud explosion ever in my life. I fell three times due to the explosion. It felt as if we were all going to die,” recalled a local shopkeeper.
The Delhi Police and the Special Cell have cordoned off the area, and forensic experts are currently examining the site to determine the cause of the explosion. Authorities are investigating whether any foul play was involved or if it was a mechanical or accidental ignition. Multiple feared injured in the incident.
The incident temporarily disrupted traffic around the busy Red Fort area, with commuters and pedestrians evacuating the vicinity as a precaution. Officials have assured that the situation is under control, and further details will be released once the investigation continues.
