Deadly car explosion rocks Old Delhi

Emergency services rushed to a massive car explosion near the Red Fort metro station in Old Delhi, killing eight people and injuring about 20. The blast occurred at a traffic signal when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 stopped and detonated, igniting fires that spread to multiple nearby vehicles, including several cars, e-rickshaws and an auto-rickshaw. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation: shattered windows, mangled bodies, body parts on the road and stunned bystanders as firefighters and ambulances worked to extinguish flames and evacuate the wounded.

The vehicle involved has been identified and its owner detained for questioning while investigators analyse CCTV footage and forensic evidence. Authorities invoked anti-terror laws and launched a high-level probe involving the National Investigation Agency and Delhi Police; teams are examining whether the explosion resulted from an accident, a technical fault, or a deliberate attack. No definitive cause or motive has been publicly confirmed.

Security was immediately heightened across the capital. Major metro stations, including those near the Red Fort, and the airport were placed on alert, and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh increased patrols and tightened security around crowded markets and historic religious sites. The Red Fort area was cordoned off and temporarily closed to visitors as emergency services and investigators worked the scene. Large crowds gathering near the cordon complicated rescue operations, prompting police to urge the public to stay clear and permit access only to emergency personnel.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and later met injured people at hospital, saying investigators were “exploring all possibilities.” The Prime Minister expressed condolences to victims’ families and appealed for calm while inquiries continue. Officials said forensic teams would continue combing the area for evidence and that investigators would assess the broader implications of the blast for security in the city.

The explosion has reignited concerns about safety in Delhi’s historic and heavily visited zones, particularly around the Red Fort complex, a symbolic site for national events and a major tourist draw. Authorities pledged sustained vigilance in the coming days as they piece together findings from CCTV, vehicle forensics and witness statements. Meanwhile, hospitals treated the injured and emergency services cleared wreckage from the congested street near the metro station, while relatives and residents sought information about those affected and tried to come to terms with the sudden violence that scarred a busy market area.