Car Explosion Near Red Fort Sparks Panic; Triggers High Alert in Delhi, Mumbai
A car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening sent shockwaves across the national capital, setting multiple vehicles ablaze and prompting a swift emergency response from police and fire services. The incident occurred close to Gate No. 1 of the metro station, one of the busiest commuter hubs in central Delhi, raising alarm in an area considered one of the most sensitive in the city. 8 people are reportedly dead in the blast.
According to officials, the explosion was followed by a massive blaze that quickly engulfed nearby vehicles. At least three to four vehicles were damaged in the fire, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) confirmed. Seven fire tenders were rushed to the scene, and the flames were brought under control after more than half an hour of intense firefighting.
The injured, if any, were immediately rushed to LNJP Hospital for treatment. However, officials said that the exact number of casualties or the extent of injuries could only be confirmed after a detailed inspection. Police teams, including personnel from the Special Cell, crime branch, and forensic experts, cordoned off the area and began a probe into the cause of the explosion.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang before thick plumes of smoke rose from the parking area near the metro gate. Commuters and pedestrians nearby ran for cover as the fire spread rapidly. Within minutes, fire tenders and PCR vans arrived at the spot, followed by senior police officers.
“Seven fire tenders were deployed to douse the flames. The situation is now under control,” said a senior DFS official. The police have collected debris samples from the site, which will be sent to a forensic lab to determine whether the blast was caused by a mechanical fault, a gas cylinder leak, or an explosive device.
The explosion caused major traffic congestion around Netaji Subhash Marg and adjoining areas, as police diverted vehicles away from the Red Fort and Daryaganj stretch. Metro services were not disrupted, but security was tightened across nearby stations as a precautionary measure.
The Red Fort area, a high-security zone that attracts thousands of tourists daily, was placed on high alert following the incident. Barricades were erected, and all entry and exit points near the metro were temporarily sealed. Police also increased checks on vehicles in the vicinity to rule out any further threat.
Delhi Police officials have not ruled out any possibilities, stating that the cause of the explosion will be clear only after a detailed forensic examination. “It is too early to say what caused the blast. All angles, including a short circuit, mechanical malfunction, or deliberate act, are being examined,” said a police officer at the site.
As night fell, the area continued to witness heavy police deployment. Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads were pressed into service to ensure there were no residual threats.
The Delhi Police have urged citizens to stay calm and avoid speculation on social media until official findings are released.
Authorities are expected to issue a detailed statement after initial forensic results arrive. Meanwhile, residents and commuters in the area remain on alert, as Delhi’s emergency services review their preparedness and response systems following the alarming incident.