Teams from the Delhi Police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) rapidly reached the scene when a high‑intensity explosion ripped through a car near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station (adjacent to the Red Fort) in Delhi around 7 pm on Monday evening. Eight people were killed and 24 others injured in the blast, which left mangled bodies and wrecked cars strewn around one of India’s most high‑profile tourist and historic areas. 

Eyewitnesses Recall the Blast

Eyewitnesses described a “very powerful explosion”. Visuals showed a van with its doors blown off, a completely mangled car, another vehicle with a smashed windscreen and crumpled bodies on the ground in the congested Old Delhi neighbourhood of Chandni Chowk. The blast also damaged neighbouring vehicles and shattered windows of nearby shops.

The Delhi Fire Department received a call regarding the explosion and deployed around 20 fire engines; by 7:29 pm the fire was brought under control, officials said. The addressed van and vehicle carnage prompted the authorities to cordon off the entire area, which is typically crowded with tourists and local traffic alike. 

States on Red Alert

In the wake of the incident, states including Maharashtra (Mumbai), Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have been placed on high alert. The nature of the blast remains undetermined: officials say it is too early to rule out a deliberate attack and the involvement of a crude improvised explosive device is being investigated. NIA and NSG teams, along with forensic squads, are reportedly combing through CCTV footage and debris to ascertain the cause. 

Given the proximity to the historic Red Fort and the heavy tourist footfall in the area, security agencies are treating the event with utmost seriousness and have urged the public to avoid the site until further notice. The investigation is very much live and could entail broader national security implications.