Eight killed in car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort
At least eight people have been killed and several others injured after a powerful car explosion rocked a busy area near the Red Fort in India’s capital, New Delhi, late Monday evening. The blast, which occurred just outside one of the city’s most visited heritage sites, sent shockwaves through the surrounding neighborhood and prompted a major security lockdown.
According to police officials, the explosion happened shortly after 7 p.m. local time, when the vehicle caught fire near a crowded marketplace adjacent to the Red Fort’s Lahori Gate. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom followed by thick plumes of smoke rising above the old city. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where firefighters worked for over an hour to extinguish the flames and recover the victims.
Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora confirmed that eight people were found dead at the site, including two children. Several others were taken to nearby hospitals with burn injuries, and a few remain in critical condition. “Our forensic teams are examining the vehicle and surrounding area to determine the cause of the blast,” Arora said. “At this stage, nothing can be ruled out, including the possibility of foul play.”
Initial reports suggest the car may have been carrying flammable materials, though investigators are also exploring whether an improvised explosive device could have been involved. The National Security Guard (NSG) and bomb disposal squads have joined the investigation, collecting debris and CCTV footage from the area.
The explosion occurred just meters away from the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most recognizable landmarks. The fort, built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, attracts thousands of visitors daily. Authorities have temporarily sealed the area and evacuated nearby buildings as a precaution.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos immediately after the blast. “There was a huge noise, and people started running in every direction,” said Rajesh Kumar, a shopkeeper who works near the fort. “I saw a car in flames and smoke everywhere. The police arrived within minutes.”
The incident has sparked concern among local residents and tourists alike, especially given the Red Fort’s historical and symbolic importance. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged calm. “This is a tragic event,” he said. “We are in close touch with the police and security agencies to ensure those responsible are identified quickly.”
As investigators piece together the cause of the explosion, security has been tightened across key areas of Delhi, including transportation hubs and public monuments. Officials say the priority remains to uncover what triggered the blast and to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
