New Delhi, November 10, 2025: A powerful explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening plunged one of Delhi’s busiest areas into chaos, leaving at least eight people dead and several others injured. The blast, which occurred near Gate Number 1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station, triggered fires in multiple vehicles, shattered windows, and caused buildings in the vicinity to tremble. Panic gripped the area as thick plumes of smoke and flames engulfed the scene, leaving residents, shopkeepers, and tourists shocked and terrified.
According to the Delhi Police, the explosion took place around 6:52 PM when a car, reportedly a Hyundai i20, stopped at a red light near the metro station. The initial blast set fire to the vehicle, and the flames quickly spread to three to four nearby cars. The intensity of the blast caused nearby shops and buildings to shake violently, and several vehicles were damaged beyond repair. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and surreal. One local resident, who was near a gurdwara at the time, recalled, “We couldn’t make out what it was, it was that loud. A number of vehicles nearby were completely damaged.” Another eyewitness, a shopkeeper, said, “The blast shook our building, and I had never heard anything so loud. People were screaming and running in every direction.”
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that police teams were in constant touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, briefing him on the situation as it unfolded. Authorities quickly cordoned off the area and restricted entry and exit from Gates 1 and 4 of the Lal Quila Metro Station. Despite the chaos, Delhi Metro services continued to run normally throughout the network.
The Delhi Fire Services dispatched seven fire tenders to contain the fire. According to Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik, the blaze was under control by 7:29 PM. Officials reported that the blast caused significant damage to surrounding vehicles, including six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw. Eyewitnesses also recounted seeing injured people being rushed to nearby Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, which received multiple casualties from the explosion.
Forensic and security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG), joined Delhi Police in investigating the explosion. A senior Delhi Police officer said that the car, which was the source of the blast, had two to three occupants and was completely mangled. He added that there was no crater at the spot, no pellet or splinter injuries, and no suspicious debris had been found, making it too early to confirm whether it was a bomb blast. Forensic teams are examining the remains of the vehicle to determine the cause, whether mechanical, fuel-related, or otherwise.
Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes in the immediate aftermath of the explosion. Several people were injured, and in some cases, body parts were reportedly seen scattered near the site. An auto driver named Zeeshan, who was injured in the blast, recounted, “The car in front of me was about two feet away. I don’t know whether there was a bomb in it or something else, but it exploded. It was a Swift Dzire car.” The intensity of the blast and the proximity of multiple vehicles meant that bystanders were also at risk, amplifying the scale of injuries.
The Red Fort area is a central tourist and commercial hub, home to historic landmarks, markets like Chandni Chowk, and several places of worship. The blast occurred during peak evening hours, a time when the streets are typically crowded with locals, tourists, and shoppers. Sanjay Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk Market Association, described the explosion as “like an earthquake” and confirmed that the market would remain closed the following day as a precaution.
The incident comes shortly after a major security operation in Haryana, where police recovered around 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. He was reportedly wanted in a terror-related case in Srinagar linked to the terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. While authorities have not confirmed a connection between the Red Fort explosion and the Faridabad seizure, the timing of these incidents has heightened security alert levels across northern India.
Political leaders quickly reacted to the explosion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and assured that the authorities were providing assistance to the affected. Home Minister Amit Shah stated that all possibilities were being explored in the investigation and that CCTV footage from the area was being reviewed. Leaders from multiple parties, including Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi, Pawan Khera, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mamata Banerjee, and Rajnath Singh, expressed grief over the loss of life and called for a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the explosion.
Authorities have emphasized public safety and issued advisories urging citizens to avoid crowded areas and report any suspicious activity. The Delhi Police, in coordination with other security agencies, has increased patrolling in sensitive areas, including tourist spots, markets, and metro stations.
Social media footage from the scene captured the horror and panic that ensued. Charred vehicles, burning debris, and dense smoke filled the frame, while bystanders could be seen fleeing the area. The explosion sent shockwaves through the community, prompting heightened vigilance among local authorities and residents.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of crowded public spaces in India’s capital. Security experts note that areas surrounding historical monuments, metro stations, and commercial hubs require constant monitoring and preparedness to respond to emergencies. The Red Fort blast has reignited discussions about urban safety measures and the need for rapid response mechanisms to protect citizens in high-risk zones.
Eyewitness accounts also highlighted the human cost of the explosion. Many people who were at the scene reported seeing injured individuals being carried away on stretchers, while emergency personnel worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and provide immediate medical attention. “It was chaos everywhere,” one local shopkeeper said. “People were screaming, cars were on fire, and everyone was running to safety.”
As the investigation continues, forensic experts and law enforcement agencies are collecting evidence to determine whether the explosion was accidental or intentional. Authorities have warned the public against spreading rumors and speculations, emphasizing that the cause will only be confirmed after a thorough scientific examination of the vehicle and debris.
In addition to Delhi, high alerts were issued in neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab, with police instructed to remain vigilant at sensitive locations and monitor for suspicious activities. The blast has also sparked conversations about public safety during festivals, election periods, and times of high public footfall, highlighting the need for coordinated security planning across multiple agencies.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of India’s history and sovereignty, lies at the center of this incident. The explosion near such a high-profile monument has prompted officials to review security protocols, including surveillance coverage, rapid emergency response, and coordination between municipal, state, and central authorities.
In summary, the Red Fort car explosion has left a trail of destruction, claiming lives, injuring dozens, and causing widespread panic. With multiple investigative agencies involved, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to determine the cause and prevent any recurrence. As Delhi and surrounding states remain on high alert, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of urban safety, vigilance, and preparedness in densely populated and historically significant areas.
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