New Delhi: A high-intensity explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening claimed at least eight lives and left several people injured, triggering panic in the busy Chandni Chowk-Red Fort area. The blast occurred in a parked Hyundai i20 car near Gate Number 1 of the metro station, officials said.
According to the Delhi Fire Department, the explosion sparked a fire that rapidly spread to nearby vehicles. Six cars, two e-rickshaws and an autorickshaw were completely gutted in the blaze. Videos shared by the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association showed the scale of destruction, with some clips depicting bodies lying near the damaged vehicles and on the road. Eyewitnesses reported that human remains were visible at the site.
Medical authorities at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital confirmed that eight victims were declared dead on arrival. Several others are undergoing treatment for burn injuries and trauma. “Eight of them died before reaching the hospital,” the hospital’s medical superintendent told ANI.
Security agencies, including teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the National Security Guard (NSG) and forensic experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), immediately reached the location to assess the situation. The entire area around the Red Fort and the surrounding market stretch has been sealed, with a high alert sounded across the Capital.
The cause of the blast is yet to be determined. Officials said all possibilities are being examined, including accidental ignition, mechanical malfunction, or deliberate sabotage. Investigators are collecting samples and reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity.
The incident took place in one of the most sensitive and busy tourist areas of Delhi, raising security concerns ahead of upcoming public events and tourist season. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
