New Delhi, India – November 11, 2025 – A devastating car explosion in the heart of India’s capital, near the iconic Red Fort, has left at least eight people dead and more than 19 injured, according to local authorities. The incident, which occurred on Monday in the crowded Old Delhi area, has sparked a major investigation under India’s anti-terrorism laws.

Details of the Delhi Blast

The explosion, which involved a moving vehicle, created chaos as flames engulfed nearby cars and bystanders. Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes, with people and vehicles catching fire, and residents attempting to rescue victims amid the confusion.

Dharmindra Dhaga, a 27-year-old witness, recounted: “I saw the car explode while it was moving. People were on fire, and we tried to save them. Cars and people were burning—people inside the cars were burning.”

Casualties and Medical Response

Delhi authorities confirmed that at least eight individuals were killed immediately following the blast. Reports from the Press Trust of India indicated that the death toll may have risen to 12, although official confirmation is pending. More than 19 people sustained injuries, many of whom were rushed to LNJP Hospital, where emergency wards were overwhelmed with victims requiring urgent medical attention. Families of the injured were seen mourning and assisting relatives in the chaotic hospital environment.

Government and Security Response

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed that those responsible for the attack will face justice, emphasizing the swift and thorough nature of ongoing investigations. Senior Delhi police officer Raja Banthia confirmed that the explosion is being investigated under anti-terrorism legislation, though authorities have not yet publicly determined the exact cause of the blast.

Home Minister Amit Shah stated that security forces are “keeping all angles open” and that forensic analysis is essential before conclusions can be drawn. In response to the incident, security measures across New Delhi were immediately heightened, particularly in key public and historical areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Condemns the Attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “I understand the pain of the families. The whole nation stands with them.” Modi addressed the nation prior to leaving for a state visit to Bhutan, highlighting the government’s commitment to justice and public safety.

Historical Context: Terror Attacks in Delhi

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s independence, has occasionally been targeted in security incidents. The last major attack in the capital occurred in September 2011, when a briefcase bomb exploded outside the High Court, killing at least 14 people.

Earlier this year, on April 22, 2025, a violent attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, killed 26 civilians, triggering heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Following that attack, New Delhi accused Pakistan of backing the gunmen—a claim consistently denied by Islamabad.

Eyewitness Accounts and Local Impact

Residents described scenes of “people burning” and vehicles engulfed in flames, with many attempting heroic rescues before emergency responders arrived. The blast has caused widespread fear in Old Delhi, a densely populated area known for its historic landmarks and vibrant markets. Authorities continue to investigate, and forensic teams are meticulously analyzing debris and explosive residues to identify the perpetrators.