New Delhi, November 10, 2025: A massive explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening has left at least eight people dead and 12 injured, sending shockwaves across the national capital and triggering high alert in several states. The blast, which took place in a car parked near Gate Number 1 of Lal Quila Metro Station, caused extensive damage to nearby vehicles, shattered windows, and left residents and commuters in a state of panic. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene, saying it felt as if they “were all going to die,” while others reported seeing “body parts scattered on the road.”

The incident occurred around 6:52 PM, according to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, when a slow-moving car, later identified as a Hyundai i20, stopped at a red light. Almost immediately, the vehicle exploded, damaging nearby cars and engulfing the surroundings in fire. Several eyewitnesses said the explosion was so powerful that buildings trembled, windows shattered, and the sound could be heard in nearby congested streets.

“I never heard such a loud explosion ever in my life. I fell three times due to the blast. It felt as if we were all going to die,” a local shopkeeper told ANI. Another eyewitness recalled, “We saw body parts spread on the road. No one could figure out what happened. Several cars were damaged, and the flames were frightening.” A local resident, Rajdhar Pandey, said he saw the flames from his house and rushed down to the street to see the aftermath, describing the blast as “loud and terrifying.”

An auto driver, Zeeshan, who sustained injuries, recounted, “The car was in front of me, about two feet away. I don’t know whether there was a bomb or something else, but it exploded.” The sheer intensity of the blast immediately engulfed multiple nearby vehicles, including six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw, in flames.

Emergency Response

The Delhi Fire Services received the first call about the explosion at around 7:05 PM. Seven fire tenders were dispatched promptly, and Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik confirmed that the fire was brought under control by 7:29 PM. The Delhi Police Special Cell, along with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other central agencies, arrived at the scene to begin collecting forensic evidence and assess the cause of the blast.

Preliminary reports from police indicated that there was no crater at the spot, and no pellet or shrapnel injuries were noted—common features in conventional bomb blasts. “It is too early to confirm whether this was a bomb explosion or a mechanical failure in the vehicle,” a senior Delhi Police officer said. Authorities are examining all possibilities, including whether the CNG cylinder or fuel tank of the car exploded, though no definitive cause has yet been established.

Impact on the Local Area

The explosion occurred in Old Delhi, a densely populated area near Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s busiest commercial hubs. The region is popular with both locals and tourists, especially during festive and wedding seasons, increasing the potential for mass casualties. Sanjay Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk Market Association, confirmed that the market would remain closed the following day as a precaution.

Visuals captured by local residents and security cameras showed plumes of thick smoke rising from burning vehicles, while terrified locals ran from the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that nearby buildings shook violently from the force of the explosion, adding to the chaos.

High Alert Across States

In the immediate aftermath of the blast, authorities placed Delhi on high alert, restricting entry and exit points at the Red Fort area while increasing patrols across key locations. Metro services were not disrupted, though security presence was ramped up.

Other states were also alerted as a precaution. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Kerala, Chandigarh, and Haryana heightened security in sensitive areas, including crowded markets, religious sites, railway stations, and bus stands. ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash in Uttar Pradesh stated that patrols were increased in border areas and districts deemed sensitive, while Rajasthan DGP Rajeev Sharma issued advisories to maintain vigilance in all crowded locations.

The alert follows a significant security operation in Haryana earlier on Monday, where authorities recovered 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with arms, ammunition, and timers, from a rented house in Faridabad. Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, a Kashmiri doctor and teacher at Al Falah University, was arrested in connection with the seizure and is reportedly linked to a case involving the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. While authorities have not confirmed a direct link between this seizure and the Red Fort explosion, all leads are being actively investigated.

Political and Administrative Responses

The blast elicited swift reactions from top political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the injured were receiving assistance. Home Minister Amit Shah said that all possibilities were being explored and ordered a review of nearby CCTV footage. Leaders including Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rajnath Singh, Mamata Banerjee, and Naveen Patnaik also expressed grief over the loss of lives and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.

Delhi Police has been in constant touch with central authorities, ensuring that all forensic and investigative teams are coordinating efficiently. Citizens were urged to avoid spreading rumors and to stay vigilant while following official advisories.

Eyewitness Accounts Highlight the Chaos

Multiple witnesses described harrowing experiences in the moments following the blast. One resident stated, “I could not believe what it was. When we saw someone’s severed hand on the road, we were absolutely shocked. I can’t explain it in words.” Another recounted seeing flames consuming vehicles and people screaming in panic as they tried to escape the scene. Local shops and homes trembled due to the blast, and debris was scattered across the streets.

Conclusion

The Red Fort car blast on Monday evening has left a significant mark on the national capital. With at least eight confirmed deaths, a dozen injured, multiple vehicles destroyed, and widespread panic, the incident underscores the vulnerability of crowded urban areas to sudden and catastrophic events. Security agencies are leaving no stone unturned to investigate the cause of the explosion and prevent further incidents, while Delhi and several neighboring states maintain heightened vigilance. Residents are urged to remain calm, stay alert, and follow official advisories as authorities work to restore safety and normalcy in the area.