A powerful explosion ripped through the area near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Old Delhi on Monday evening, leaving at least eight people dead and more than two dozen injured, authorities said.
The blast occurred around 7 p.m. local time when a Hyundai i20 car parked near the historic Red Fort, one of India’s most visited landmarks, suddenly exploded. The impact of the explosion shattered nearby windows, damaged several vehicles, and caused panic among commuters and shop owners in the busy Chandni Chowk area.
Firefighters and police rushed to the scene, extinguishing flames that had engulfed multiple vehicles. The entire area has since been sealed off as bomb squads and forensic teams investigate the cause of the explosion.
Senior police officials have not confirmed whether the incident was caused by a bomb or mechanical failure, but early reports suggest the possibility of an improvised explosive device (IED). Security agencies have been placed on high alert across Delhi and neighboring states.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with debris scattered across the road and bystanders trying to help the injured before ambulances arrived. “The explosion was so strong that it felt like an earthquake,” said one local shopkeeper.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a swift investigation.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid the Red Fort area while emergency services continue rescue and recovery operations.
