New Delhi Rocked by Car Explosion Near Red Fort: Casualties and Investigation Underway

New Delhi was struck by a high-intensity car explosion on Monday evening near the historic Red Fort, leaving at least nine people dead and twenty others injured. The blast occurred at approximately 6:52 PM local time, sending shockwaves through the densely populated area. The incident has prompted a high alert in Delhi and surrounding states, with investigations underway to determine the cause.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and devastation. "I was at the metro station, going down the stairs, when I heard an explosion. I turned around and saw a fire. People started running helter-skelter," said Suman Mishra, whose husband owns a hotel nearby. Another resident stated, "I never heard such a sound in my life. I fell thrice because of the shock. It felt like the end". Sanjay Bhargava, president of the Traders' Welfare Association, recounted, "It was massive, it didn't seem like just a cylinder blast. The entire market was in shock". Vineet Seth, a shop owner from Dariba Kalan, likened the explosion to "a mini earthquake".

The explosion originated in a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car at a traffic signal near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha stated that the blast occurred in the vehicle, causing damage to nearby vehicles. The impact ignited a fire, engulfing several other cars, auto-rickshaws, and e-rickshaws. The Delhi Fire Service dispatched seven fire tenders to the scene, and the blaze was brought under control by 7:29 PM.

Images and videos from the scene depict a grim aftermath, with mangled bodies, charred vehicles, and debris scattered across the roadway. Shattered windowpanes in nearby buildings attested to the force of the explosion. Thirty victims were rushed to the LNJP Hospital, where nine were declared dead, and many others remain in critical condition.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Federal and state investigative agencies are at the site, with the National Security Guard (NSG) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) also involved. The Delhi Police have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Act. Home Minister Amit Shah has been briefed on the incident and visited the blast site and victims at the hospital. He stated that all angles are being probed, and CCTV footage from the area will be analyzed.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the Hyundai i20 car had a Haryana number plate and had changed hands multiple times. Police are working with the RTO to establish the ownership trail and identify the final owner. The previous owner of the vehicle has been detained in Gurugram for questioning.

The explosion has prompted a high alert in Delhi, with increased security measures at major intersections, markets, and metro stations. Neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, have also been placed on high alert.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Political leaders across the spectrum have also conveyed their grief and called for a thorough investigation. The US State Department Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs expressed solidarity with the victims.

The Red Fort will remain closed for three days following the blast. Helpline numbers have been issued for assistance and emergency information.