The exact cause of a deadly car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort remains under investigation, with authorities confirming at least eight fatalities and 20 injuries. The blast, which occurred just before 7 p.m. local time, has prompted a nationwide security alert in India.
The explosion took place near the gates of the Red Fort Metro station, reportedly originating from a Hyundai i20 vehicle stopped at a traffic signal. Home Minister Amit Shah informed local media about the incident, while Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha described the sequence of events to reporters.
“A slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged,” Golcha stated.
Details of the Incident
The blast triggered a fire that damaged several nearby cars and rickshaws. Eyewitness accounts and photos from the scene reveal shattered windows and mangled vehicle parts, with plumes of fire and smoke rising from the site. Om Prakash Gupta, a local resident, recounted the chaos following the explosion.
“I rushed out with my children and saw several vehicles on fire, body parts all over,” Gupta said.
Investigation and Security Measures
The National Investigation Agency, India’s federal anti-terror agency, is leading the probe into the explosion’s cause. Home Minister Shah emphasized the importance of CCTV footage from the area in the ongoing investigation.
“We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account,” Shah noted. “All options will be investigated immediately, and we will present the results to the public.”
In response to the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via social media, urging for a swift recovery for the injured. Meanwhile, security measures have been heightened across major train stations and cities, including Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh.
Witness Accounts and Public Reactions
Witnesses provided harrowing descriptions of the explosion’s aftermath. Suman Mishra, who was at the metro station, recounted the panic that ensued.
“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,” she said.
An ambulance driver described the grim task of collecting body parts from the scene, highlighting the explosion’s devastating impact.
Implications for Travelers and Historical Context
The US Embassy in Delhi has issued a security alert to its citizens, advising them to avoid crowds and areas surrounding the Red Fort. Australia’s government travel advice website, Smart Traveller, has also been updated to reflect the explosion.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist attraction, has a history of being a target for attacks. The site was attacked in December 2000 by Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and a civilian. Delhi has experienced several bombings in the past, including a briefcase explosion outside the Delhi High Court in 2011.
Security in the national capital is the responsibility of the federal home ministry. Delhi police report directly to it, though the capital territory also has its own local government.
The current investigation and heightened security measures underscore the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in safeguarding the city and its residents. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring safety and preventing future incidents.
