Witnesses described a “very strong explosion” that sent shock waves through nearby buildings after a car detonated in Delhi, killing eight people. The blast, which occurred on Monday night, injured 19 others and created a scene of pure chaos near the historic Red Fort. One witness recounted the horrific sight of a person’s body “torn into pieces” and a hand on the road.
The incident unfolded at a busy traffic light outside the Red Fort metro station. According to police, a slow-moving car had just stopped for the red light when it exploded. The force of the blast was magnified in the congested area, and it ignited a fire that quickly spread to more than a dozen other vehicles, including rickshaws and motorcycles, charring them completely.
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were deployed to the scene to tackle the blaze and rescue the victims. The 19 injured individuals were rushed to a government hospital. Television footage showed the devastating aftermath, including a car with its doors completely blown off, mangled bodies, and people screaming in panic as they fled the area.
India’s top officials have responded to the tragedy. Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the scene, cautioned that the cause remains unknown pending a forensic analysis. He assured the public that “all angles” are being investigated. The registered owner of the car has reportedly been detained for questioning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences and stated he is monitoring the situation.
The explosion has put the capital and other major regions on high alert. Security has been heightened in Mumbai, the state of Uttar Pradesh, and at large train stations. This incident is a grim reminder of past attacks on Delhi’s public spaces, though the last major blast was over a decade ago in 2011.
