New Delhi, November 10, 2025: The national capital was rocked by a devastating explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, leaving at least eight dead and several others injured. The blast, which occurred in a car parked near Gate Number 1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station, caused multiple vehicles to catch fire, shattered windows of nearby buildings, and sent shockwaves through one of Delhi’s busiest and most congested areas.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as flames engulfed cars and thick smoke filled the air. “I was at the gurdwara when I heard a loud explosion. Several vehicles nearby were completely destroyed, and buildings trembled from the blast,” said one local resident. Another eyewitness recounted, “People were screaming and running in all directions. I saw injured individuals being carried away on stretchers. The scene was terrifying.”

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that the blast occurred at around 6:52 PM when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at the red light. The car, reportedly a Hyundai i20, exploded, damaging nearby vehicles and causing panic among residents and commuters. Initial reports suggested that the car had two to three occupants who were severely injured in the blast.

The Delhi Fire Services received a call at approximately 7:05 PM and dispatched seven fire tenders to the site. The fire, which engulfed six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw, was brought under control by 7:29 PM. Thick plumes of smoke and fire were captured on camera, illustrating the scale of destruction. Visuals from the scene also showed body parts scattered near the site, adding to the horror and confusion in the aftermath of the explosion.

Forensic and investigative agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG), were immediately deployed to the area. A senior Delhi Police officer noted that there was no crater at the spot, and preliminary assessments indicated no pellet or shrapnel injuries, which are typically seen in bomb explosions. Authorities are examining whether the blast was accidental or deliberate, including possible issues related to the car’s fuel system.

High alert across multiple states

The blast has prompted authorities to place several states on high alert. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Kerala, Chandigarh, and Haryana have all been instructed to increase vigilance in sensitive areas.

In Uttar Pradesh, ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash said that all senior officials have been directed to boost security at sensitive religious sites, border areas, and crowded districts. “All security agencies have been alerted, and police in all districts have been instructed to remain on high alert. Patrols and checks in sensitive areas have been intensified,” he said.

In Gujarat, police units have been asked to maintain heightened vigilance and increase patrolling across all districts. Rajasthan DGP Rajeev Sharma issued advisories to all district SPs and DCPs to monitor crowded locations such as railway stations, bus stands, shopping malls, and religious sites. Similarly, Uttarakhand ADG (Intelligence and Security) Abhinav Kumar instructed police chiefs across all thirteen districts to maintain heightened surveillance.

Delhi itself was immediately put on high alert, with police cordoning off the Red Fort area, restricting entry and exit from Gates 1 and 4, and deploying additional personnel in sensitive locations. Railway stations and metro stations across the capital and neighboring states were also placed on precautionary alert.

Impact on the local area

The explosion occurred in Old Delhi, near the bustling Chandni Chowk market, one of the city’s busiest shopping hubs. The market sees especially heavy footfall during the festive and wedding seasons. Residents and shopkeepers reported feeling tremors from the blast, with some stating that it felt like an earthquake. Sanjay Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk Market Association, confirmed that the market would remain closed the following day as a precautionary measure.

Videos and images from the site captured vehicles engulfed in flames, shattered windows, and thick plumes of smoke rising above the congested streets. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of people fleeing in panic as authorities worked to contain the fire and rescue the injured. LNJP Hospital, located a few kilometers from the blast site, received multiple casualties and provided urgent medical attention to those affected.

Political reactions and public safety measures

The explosion drew immediate reactions from political leaders across the spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modiexpressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured citizens that the authorities were providing assistance to those affected. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that all possibilities were being explored in the investigation and ordered review of all CCTV footage in the area. Leaders including Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Pawan Khera, Mamata Banerjee, Rajnath Singh, and Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the loss of life and called for a thorough probe into the incident.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumors. Security officials emphasized the importance of following official advisories, staying alert, and reporting any suspicious activity. Delhi Police have increased patrolling in sensitive areas and are closely coordinating with central agencies to ensure public safety.

Connection to recent security operations

The Red Fort blast comes hours after a significant security operation in Haryana, where authorities recovered approximately 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, 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 related to the terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. While no formal connection has been established between the Faridabad seizure and the Red Fort blast, security agencies are probing all angles.

Eyewitness accounts of the explosion

Several witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying. An auto driver injured in the blast stated, “The car in front of me was about two feet away. I don’t know whether it was a bomb or something else, but it exploded.” Another resident added, “We saw body parts scattered on the road. People were screaming and running in every direction.” Many local shopkeepers and residents recounted that their buildings shook violently, and multiple windows were blown out due to the force of the explosion.

Emergency response and investigation

The Delhi Fire Services acted swiftly, sending seven fire tenders to the scene. Within half an hour, the fire was brought under control. Forensic experts from the NIA and the Delhi Police Special Cell are collecting evidence from the mangled car and surrounding vehicles to determine the precise cause of the blast. Authorities are examining whether the explosion originated from the car’s CNG cylinder, fuel tank, or mechanical failure, though all possibilities remain under investigation.

The NIA has joined the probe, and high alert has been sounded not only in Delhi but also in neighboring states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Haryana, Kerala, and Chandigarh. All security forces have been directed to maintain vigilance at crowded and sensitive locations, including railway stations, bus terminals, markets, and religious sites.

Conclusion

The Red Fort car blast has exposed vulnerabilities in public safety in one of Delhi’s most congested and historically significant areas. The incident has caused widespread panic, multiple casualties, and extensive property damage. With multiple investigative agencies involved, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, heightened security measures across the capital and several states aim to reassure the public and safeguard sensitive locations from potential threats. As the investigation continues, Delhi remains on edge, with residents and authorities alike awaiting clarity on the cause of this deadly explosion.