In the wake of Monday's devastating car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort, the disaster ward at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital has become the epicenter of a race against time, with approximately 50 doctors and other medical personnel working tirelessly to treat the victims. The blast, which occurred on the evening of November 10, 2025, has claimed at least eight lives and left over 20 others injured, many with severe burns, fractures, and shrapnel wounds.
The emergency response at LNJP Hospital was activated immediately after the first casualties arrived. The hospital's 70-bed disaster ward, specifically designed for large-scale emergencies, was opened within minutes. Doctors from various departments, including orthopedics, burns and plastic surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery, casualty, and ICU, have been working continuously since Monday night.
The nature of the injuries sustained by the victims is extensive and complex. Some suffered amputations, while others sustained crush injuries, shrapnel and pellet wounds, broken bones, and ruptured eardrums from the intense shockwaves. At least four victims experienced pneumothorax, a condition where air leaks into the space between the lungs and chest wall, causing lung collapse. Doctors treated these patients by inserting intercostal drainage tubes to remove the trapped air and help the lungs re-expand. ENT specialists are also attending to numerous patients with ruptured eardrums.
According to hospital officials, approximately 25 patients are currently receiving care at LNJP, with no transfers to other facilities required thus far. Eight patients are in critical condition. The burns center is treating patients with injuries ranging from minor to severe, while the neurosurgery department is managing those with head and other major injuries. Sources indicate that some victims have lost limbs, including legs and fingers.
The scene outside the hospital has been described as chaotic, with distraught families gathering in hopes of receiving news about their loved ones. Some families were seen weeping as they followed ambulances carrying the bodies of those who had been identified. Frustration and confusion have been reported among those seeking information about patient conditions, with some alleging disorganization and a lack of guidance from hospital staff.
Authorities suspect that an improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the blast. The investigation is ongoing, with anti-terrorism laws invoked. The Defence Minister has assured the nation that those responsible will be brought to justice.
Amidst the tragedy, stories of resilience and compassion have emerged. A survivor of the 2005 Sarojini Nagar market blast, Ashok Randhawa, rushed to LNJP Hospital to offer support to the victims and their families. Randhawa, who now runs an NGO for blast victims, stated, "I have lived through that pain, and I am aware how a blast disrupts lives and leaves families shattered".
The Delhi government has announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed and ₹2 lakh for those seriously injured. As the investigation continues and the injured receive critical care, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
