A car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has left at least eight people dead and twenty others injured, prompting a high security alert across India. The blast occurred just before 7 p.m. local time, and authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion.
The incident took place near the gates of the Red Fort Metro station, involving a Hyundai i20 vehicle that reportedly stopped at a traffic signal. According to Home Minister Amit Shah, the explosion triggered a fire that damaged several nearby vehicles and rickshaws.
Details of the Incident
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha described the scene, saying, “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.” Photos from the site show shattered windows and mangled vehicle parts, with plumes of fire and smoke rising from the burning cars.
Witnesses reported the chaos that ensued. Om Prakash Gupta, who lives nearby, recounted, “I rushed out with my children and saw several vehicles on fire, body parts all over.” The explosion has left the local community in shock, with emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath.
Investigation and Security Measures
The National Investigation Agency, India’s federal anti-terror agency, is leading the probe into the explosion. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the use of CCTV footage in the investigation, stating, “We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account.”
In response to the incident, major train stations across India, including Mumbai and the state of Uttar Pradesh, have been placed on high alert. The US Embassy in Delhi issued a security alert to its citizens, advising them to avoid crowds and areas surrounding the Red Fort.
Historical Context and Previous Attacks
The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Qila, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist attraction. It has been a target of attacks in the past, including a terrorist incident on December 22, 2000, when two soldiers and a civilian were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba militants.
Delhi has experienced several bombings over the decades, with public places often targeted. The last major incident occurred in 2011 when a briefcase explosion outside the Delhi High Court resulted in multiple casualties.
Implications and Future Steps
The recent explosion underscores ongoing security challenges in India’s capital. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are likely to increase security measures, especially in areas frequented by tourists and at significant national landmarks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi earlier this evening. May the injured recover at the earliest.”
With the investigation still in its early stages, the focus remains on uncovering the cause of the explosion and ensuring the safety of Delhi’s residents and visitors. The government is expected to release further updates as more information becomes available.
