A deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening has left eight dead and 24 injured, triggering a massive security and investigative response. While initial fears pointed toward a possible terror attack, senior Delhi Police officials have clarified that it is too early to confirm whether the blast was caused by a bomb.

The incident occurred around 6:52 pm at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near Gate No.1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos: the explosion destroyed the vehicle involved, set several other cars ablaze, shattered windows, and shook surrounding buildings. Thick plumes of smoke rose into the air, and panic spread among bystanders in the crowded area. Chandni Chowk, located nearby, saw immediate closures as authorities cordoned off the scene.

According to a senior Delhi Police official, the car involved, a Hyundai i20, had two to three occupants and was “completely mangled” in the blast. “There is no crater at the spot, so we cannot say if it is a bomb blast. Also, no pellet or splinter injuries have been reported so far, which are common in bomb explosions,” the officer told Hindustan Times.

Further forensic examination revealed no suspicious debris such as nails, wires, chemicals, or shrapnel, which are typically associated with explosive devices. Another senior officer from the Special Cell added, “No nails, no splinters, no shrapnel, no wires, no chemicals found. No suspicious debris found.”

The explosion destroyed multiple vehicles, including six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one auto-rickshaw. Ten fire tenders were rushed to the site, bringing the fire under control by 7:29 pm. Eyewitnesses described the blast as “so loud it felt like an earthquake,” with some saying their buildings, located nearly 800 meters away, shook from the impact.

Authorities quickly escalated the security response. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), responsible for probing terrorism-related crimes, joined the investigation, and Delhi Police, along with forensic teams, began collecting evidence from the vehicle and surrounding area to determine the exact cause. A high alert has been issued across Delhi and neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Maharashtra.

Political leaders expressed deep shock and called for immediate investigations. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the incident as “extremely distressing and alarming” and urged residents to avoid spreading rumors. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the blast site and the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital where the injured were treated, stated that all angles were being investigated. “A thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account, is being carried out, and the findings will be shared with the public,” Shah said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of life and reviewed the situation with senior officials.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of devastation. Shopkeepers and local residents described seeing body parts strewn across the road and vehicles engulfed in flames. Auto driver Zeeshan, who was injured in the blast, said the car in front of him “caught fire and exploded,” though he could not ascertain the cause.

The timing of the blast raised further concern because it came just hours after Haryana police, working in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir authorities, busted a terror module in Faridabad. The operation led to the arrest of a Kashmiri doctor, Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, and the seizure of approximately 360 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate along with arms, ammunition, and timers. However, officials have clarified that no direct link has yet been established between this module and the Red Fort explosion.

Security in nearby areas has been significantly tightened. Chandni Chowk market will remain closed on Tuesday, November 11, while police in Noida and other regions have intensified vehicle checks, foot patrols, and CCTV monitoring. Barricades have been erected at key locations to prevent further incidents and inspect suspicious vehicles.

As the investigation continues, authorities are also tracing the ownership history of the Hyundai i20. At least two previous owners have been detained for questioning to determine the vehicle’s chain of custody and any potential suspicious activity.

At present, the cause of the explosion remains undetermined. Officials are exploring all possibilities, from mechanical failure or fuel-related ignition to potential deliberate sabotage, while forensic teams continue to examine the car for evidence.

Residents of Delhi have been urged to remain vigilant but calm, relying only on official information. The blast near one of India’s most symbolic historical landmarks, the Red Fort, has underscored the challenges of urban security in densely populated and politically significant areas.