In a shocking evening incident near the gate of Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, a vehicle explosion triggered a fierce blaze that rapidly consumed several nearby vehicles. At least eight people lost their lives, and many were rushed to hospital as emergency services rushed in to contain the aftermath.
Explosion and Spread of Fire
At approximately 6:52 pm, a slow-moving car stationed at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station erupted in flames, immediately engulfing neighbouring vehicles including cars, auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws. Firefighters deployed seven tenders to the scene, and eyewitnesses described the blast as “never heard anything like it”. Authorities reported that victims died before reaching the hospital. The Times of India
Detention, Investigation and Security Response
The owner of the vehicle—a Hyundai i20 originally registered in Haryana—has been taken into custody as investigators probe its journey, including subsequent transfers to new owners in Okhla and Ambala. Meanwhile, top-level officials including the Home Minister and Special Cell teams have been deployed. A full high-alert has been declared across Delhi and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh with heightened checks at sensitive locations.
Eyewitness Accounts and Ongoing Probe
Shopkeepers and residents near the blast site described how the shockwave threw them off balance and how viewing the aftermath left them in disbelief. “I saw someone’s hand on the road… we were absolutely shocked,” one witness said. The Times of India Investigators are working with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the National Security Guard (NSG) and forensic teams to determine whether the explosion was accidental or intentional. The Times of India
