Fact check: Was Mahipalpur explosion really a bomb blast? What triggered the panic?

A loud sound in Delhi's Mahipalpur area on Thursday morning, November 13, 2025, sparked panic among residents, prompting immediate investigation by authorities. Initial reports suggested an explosion near the Radisson Hotel, leading to speculation of a potential bomb blast, especially given the heightened security situation in the capital following the recent Red Fort explosion.

The Delhi Fire Services received a call at approximately 9:19 am reporting a "blast-like" sound near the Radisson Hotel in Mahipalpur. Three fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the location. Simultaneously, police personnel rushed to the spot to assess the situation and determine the cause of the noise.

Upon investigation, the Delhi Police confirmed that the loud sound was not an explosion but rather a burst tire on a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel, local inquiries revealed that the rear tire of a DTC bus heading towards Dhaula Kuan had burst, producing the loud noise that triggered the initial alarm. The caller who reported the incident was on their way to Gurugram when they heard the sound.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in Delhi following a car explosion near the Red Fort on Monday, November 10, 2025. That blast, which authorities are treating as a "terror incident," claimed several lives and left many injured. The Red Fort blast involved a car carrying approximately 90 kg of explosives. DNA testing confirmed the driver as Dr. Umar Un Nabi, a resident of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Nabi was allegedly linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) logistics module.

Following the Red Fort explosion, security measures were intensified across Delhi, with increased vigilance at key installations, public places, and border entry points. The police have cordoned off areas linked to suspects and are investigating a second vehicle in connection with the Red Fort blast.

The Mahipalpur incident highlights the heightened state of alert and sensitivity in Delhi, where any loud noise can easily trigger panic. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and have assured them that the situation in Mahipalpur is normal and there is no cause for concern. While the Mahipalpur incident turned out to be a false alarm, it underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats.