At least eight people have been killed and twenty injured following a car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi, India. The incident occurred just before 7 PM local time, and the cause is currently under investigation. As a result, security alerts have been heightened across the country.
The explosion, which originated from a Hyundai i20 vehicle stopped at a traffic signal, also damaged several nearby vehicles, including cars and rickshaws. The blast triggered a fire, creating a scene of chaos and destruction in the densely populated area. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing plumes of fire and smoke.
Investigation Underway
The National Investigation Agency, India’s federal anti-terror agency, is leading the probe into the explosion. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that CCTV footage from the area would be a critical part of the investigation. “We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation,” Shah stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via social media, offering his support to the victims’ families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses have described the scene as chaotic, with people running in panic following the explosion. Suman Mishra, who was at the metro station, recounted, “I was going down the stairs when I heard an explosion. I turned around and saw a fire. People started running helter-skelter.”
Emergency responders faced a grim scene upon arrival. An ambulance driver reported, “The bodies were in parts, and we had to pick different parts and bring them back in the ambulances.”
Heightened Security Concerns
In response to the explosion, major train stations, Mumbai, and the state of Uttar Pradesh have been placed on high alert. The US Embassy in Delhi issued a security advisory to its citizens, urging them to avoid crowds and areas near the Red Fort. Australia’s Smart Traveller website also updated its advice, recommending travelers follow local authorities’ guidance.
The Historical Significance of Red Fort
The Red Fort, or Lal Qila, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist attraction in Delhi. Built in 1526 AD by Shah Jahan, it represents a fusion of Islamic, Persian, Timurid, and Hindu architectural traditions. The fort is a symbol of India’s rich history and cultural heritage, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
Every year on August 15, India’s Independence Day, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the fort’s ramparts, underscoring its national significance.
Delhi’s Troubled Past with Explosions
This incident is not the first time Delhi has faced such violence. The Red Fort was previously targeted on December 22, 2000, when two soldiers and a civilian were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba militants. In June of the same year, bomb blasts near the fort resulted in two deaths, including an eight-year-old girl.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Delhi suffered numerous attacks, often attributed to Islamist militants or separatists from Punjab. The last major incident occurred in 2011, with a briefcase bomb explosion outside the Delhi High Court, killing about a dozen people.
Security in Delhi is managed by the federal home ministry, with the police reporting directly to it, despite the presence of a local government in the capital territory.
As investigations continue, the nation remains on edge, with authorities urging vigilance and caution. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it may have significant implications for national security and public safety.
