Blast Rocks Delhi’s Historic Red Fort; 8 Dead in Tourist Hub

A powerful explosion tore through a heavily congested area in Old Delhi, just outside the nation’s iconic Red Fort, leaving at least eight people dead and 19 injured. The blast, which originated from a car, happened on Monday evening as the area, a popular tourist destination, was still bustling with people, food stalls, and heavy traffic. The incident has sent shockwaves through the capital due to the symbolic nature of the location.
The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Qila, is a 17th-century Mughal palace and one of India’s most significant monuments. It features on the country’s banknotes and is the site from which the Prime Minister delivers the annual Independence Day address. The fact that the explosion occurred at the doorstep of such a landmark, outside the Red Fort metro station, has triggered a high-level security response.
According to police, the car in question had stopped at a red light when it exploded. The resulting blast and fire caused catastrophic damage, destroying more than a dozen other vehicles. Television footage showed the chaotic aftermath: a car with its doors blown off, blackened shells of motorcycles and rickshaws, and emergency services working frantically. Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the scene to manage the blaze and transport the injured.
Witnesses described the terrifying force of the explosion. One local resident, Om Prakash Gupta, ran from his home to see vehicles on fire and a horrific scene of scattered body parts. Another witness reported feeling the shockwaves in adjacent buildings and seeing a hand on the road, testament to the blast’s intensity.
In response, the federal Home Ministry, which is responsible for security in the national capital, is overseeing the situation. Delhi Police report directly to this ministry. Home Minister Amit Shah has visited the site, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences. Security has been heightened across major cities and transport networks as the investigation seeks to determine the cause of the blast.