New Delhi: A blast in a car near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi has resulted in 8 fatalities and injuries to at least 12 others. The incident occurred on Monday evening near Gate Number 1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station, triggering a fire that engulfed several vehicles.

The Delhi Fire Department received a call regarding the explosion at approximately 7 p.m.. Initial reports indicate that the blast occurred in a car, and the flames spread, damaging an estimated three to six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws in the vicinity. Seven fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze. Cooling operations are currently in progress.

The area has been cordoned off, and a high alert has been sounded across the capital. A team from the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrived to assess the damage and investigate the cause of the explosion. Forensic teams, including the NIA, NSG, and FSL, are conducting deep inspections, and CCTV footage is being reviewed. While the exact cause of the blast is yet to be determined, authorities are exploring all possible angles.

Visuals from the scene depict flames and smoke billowing from multiple vehicles on a congested street near the metro station in Old Delhi. The impact of the explosion and subsequent fire has caused significant damage to the vehicles involved.

The Red Fort Metro Station's Gates 1 and 4 have been temporarily closed, with entry and exit restricted. However, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has confirmed that metro services are operating normally across the rest of the network.

The incident has prompted swift reactions from political figures. Home Minister Amit Shah is closely monitoring the situation, and Prime Minister Modi has been briefed on the incident. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his condolences, calling the deaths "extremely tragic".

In light of the explosion in Delhi, Bihar has been placed on high alert, with security arrangements being strengthened across the state.