Delhi, India – November 10, 2025 – A deadly car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi has claimed at least nine lives and injured more than 20 people, prompting authorities to invoke India’s anti-terrorism laws. The blast, which occurred close to the Lal Quila metro station, has heightened security concerns in the national capital and surrounding regions.

Explosion Details and Immediate Response

The explosion took place shortly before 7:00 PM local time, when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light and suddenly detonated, according to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha. The blast caused significant damage to nearby vehicles, ignited fires in six cars and three auto-rickshaws, and sent shockwaves across the congested streets of Delhi’s old quarters. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos, showing wreckage and smoke billowing from the area as police and emergency services rushed to secure the scene.

The Delhi Fire Department and local authorities acted quickly to control the blaze and assist victims, while Lok Nayak Hospital became the primary treatment center for the injured. Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah visited both the blast site and the hospital, promising a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.

“We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all leads into account,” said Shah. “All options will be investigated immediately, and we will present the results to the public.”

Anti-Terrorism Investigation Launched

By Tuesday morning, authorities had shifted focus to the possibility of a deliberate attack. The Delhi Police registered a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), India’s key legislation to combat terrorism, as well as the Explosives Act, which penalizes the illegal handling and use of explosive materials. Although the official cause of the explosion remains under investigation, officials are treating it as a potential terrorist incident.

Following the explosion, neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh and the financial hub of Mumbai, were placed on high security alert. Additional precautions were implemented at Indira Gandhi International Airport and other prominent public locations.

Eyewitness Accounts and Human Impact

Residents and commuters in the vicinity described the blast as sudden and terrifying. Nazish Malik, a witness whose brother-in-law was affected, shared the harrowing experience:

“After trying over a hundred times to reach him, we were finally informed that he had been taken to Lok Nayak Hospital. The security was so tight that we couldn’t even go inside,” Malik recounted.

The incident has left families anxious for updates on victims, with authorities working to provide accurate and timely information amid the chaotic aftermath.

Security Concerns Near Historic Sites

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourist attraction, is one of Delhi’s most densely populated areas. Security analysts emphasize that such locations are vulnerable to attacks, especially given the foot traffic of both locals and tourists.

Independent journalist Amit Baruah described the blast as a shocking disruption to the city’s routine. “Delhi has not experienced a blast like this in recent memory. It is an incident that will create concern not just locally, but across the capital,” he said.

Political Reactions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families, emphasizing the need for swift recovery for those injured. “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he tweeted.

Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway, assuring the public that law enforcement agencies are leaving no stone unturned in identifying the perpetrators.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Measures

As authorities continue to probe the blast, security has been tightened across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other high-risk locations. The Delhi Police are working with intelligence agencies to determine whether the explosion was an act of terrorism or a criminal accident. Meanwhile, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in crowded areas, particularly near transportation hubs and historic sites.

The incident underscores the critical need for robust urban security measures and highlights the ongoing threat of attacks in densely populated urban centers. Delhi, as India’s capital, remains on high alert as investigations continue.