The national capital, already reeling under an environmental emergency due to hazardous smog and plunging temperatures, was jolted by a devastating explosion near the Red Fort on Saturday evening.
The blast, which occurred around 6:52 p.m. near Gate Number One of the Red Fort metro stations, has left at least eight people dead and several others injured, triggering panic in one of Delhi’s busiest heritage zones.
Chaos Erupts Near Red Fort
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion followed by a thick cloud of smoke rising from the site. Panic spread quickly as residents and tourists scrambled for safety. The explosion originated from a parked car that reportedly caught fire, leading to a chain reaction that engulfed three to four nearby vehicles in flames.
Emergency services, including multiple fire tenders, ambulances, and police teams, reached the site within minutes to douse the fire and rescue victims. Several injured individuals were rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital for treatment. Officials have confirmed eight fatalities so far, though the toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
PM Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy in a post on X (formerly Twitter), assuring that all necessary assistance is being extended to those affected. “My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. Authorities are doing everything possible to help the injured and investigate the cause,” he said.
Investigation Points to Possible Terror Angle
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a terror attack. Delhi Police have filed a case under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case has been registered at the Kotwali Police Station.
Sources revealed that in the past 24 hours, over 360 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and thousands of kilograms of other explosives were seized during coordinated raids in Delhi, Faridabad, Saharanpur, and parts of Kashmir. Investigators believe these discoveries may be linked to the blast, and multiple agencies are now probing the connection.
Security Tightened Across Northern States
Following the explosion, Delhi Police have cordoned off the Red Fort area and closed the monument to visitors for three days. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has also temporarily shut the Lal Quila metro station to ensure public safety.
The shockwaves of the incident have prompted several northern states to issue high alerts. In Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed police officials to enhance vigilance across all districts. Intensive security checks are being conducted at inter-state borders, religious places, markets, railway stations, and other crowded areas.
Capital in Distress
The tragedy has compounded the distress of Delhi residents, who are already battling severe air pollution. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering around 600 — classified as ‘very poor‘ — and now a terror-linked explosion at its heart, the capital faces one of its most testing moments in recent times. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the blast while the city mourns yet another blow to its peace and safety.
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