New Delhi was plunged into chaos and terror on the evening of November 10, 2025, when a powerful explosion near the historic Red Fort shook one of the city’s busiest and most densely populated areas. The blast, which ripped through a white Hyundai i20 car, killed at least 12 people and left several others injured. The sheer intensity of the explosion left residents in shock, with body fragments scattered across streets and even reaching nearby compounds, leaving a lasting scar on the neighbourhood.

Immediate Aftermath: Panic and Horror

Locals recount the moments following the blast with vivid horror, describing scenes that seemed almost apocalyptic. Karamjot, a bag seller in Chandni Chowk, recalled the immediate panic. “I saw a large number of people running towards me from the Red Fort side. Everyone was screaming. I ran towards the gurdwara and took shelter there until things calmed down,” she said, her voice trembling at the memory of the chaos.

JP Mishra, an employee at the Jain Mandir sports club, described the gruesome scene he encountered as he rushed to help the injured. “When I reached the spot, I saw dismembered bodies everywhere. Some of the body parts even came under my feet,” he said. The shock and disbelief of witnesses were palpable as they tried to comprehend the magnitude of the explosion in a familiar urban space.

Karmayta Devi, a 45-year-old resident living near the Jain Mandir, recounted the horror her family experienced. “It felt like an earthquake. The ground was shaking. My 15-year-old son, who saw the bodies lying around, was terrified. Some parts of the bodies even flew into the Jain Mandir compound,” she said. Her account highlights the indiscriminate nature of the blast, which left no one in the vicinity untouched by fear or trauma.

Impact on Children and Families

The blast did not spare children, leaving lasting impressions of fear and distress. Ten-year-old Priya, who lives close to the Red Fort, described the shock as her home trembled under the force of the explosion. “Our school is closed today. We couldn’t sleep the whole night. I have never heard such a loud sound before,” she said softly. For many children in the area, the event was a first encounter with such catastrophic violence, leaving psychological scars that may last well beyond the immediate aftermath.

Families spent the night in fear, with many unable to sleep as they grappled with the uncertainty and danger that had suddenly arrived in their midst. Even as emergency services worked tirelessly to tend to the injured, the residents of Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and the areas surrounding the Red Fort struggled to process the enormity of the incident.

Damage to Property and Businesses

The blast not only claimed lives but also inflicted significant property damage. Shops, homes, and small businesses in the area sustained losses from the force of the explosion and subsequent chaos. Cement from the ceilings of nearby buildings fell, glass shattered, and vehicles were damaged, leaving shopkeepers fearing substantial economic setbacks in the coming months. The historic and commercial heart of Delhi, known for its bustling markets and tourist footfall, bore the brunt of both physical and psychological damage.

Community Response and Relief Efforts

Despite the terror, locals quickly mobilized to assist the injured before emergency services arrived. Residents carried victims to safer areas, helped contain fires, and coordinated with police and medical teams. The collective response of the community underscored the resilience of the people living in the city’s crowded old quarters, even in the face of unprecedented horror.

Authorities have cordoned off the area for investigation. The Red Fort has been closed to visitors, and nearby landmarks, including the Lal Quila Metro station, have been temporarily shut down to ensure public safety. Delhi Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), and other security agencies have launched an intensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and identify those responsible.

Lingering Fear and Psychological Impact

The psychological impact on the residents is profound. Many described sleepless nights, lingering fear, and an inability to return to normal routines. The streets around Red Fort, usually bustling with shoppers and tourists, now feel tense and haunted, as the community grapples with the aftermath of a sudden and violent disruption.

Local shopkeepers and business owners are especially concerned about economic repercussions. The area, known for its markets and foot traffic, may face a temporary decline in commerce due to the fear induced by the blast. Residents worry about both immediate losses and long-term disruption, particularly as investigations and security measures continue.

The Road Ahead

As investigators piece together the sequence of events, officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow security advisories. The National Investigation Agency has taken over the probe, with preliminary evidence suggesting a possible terror angle, linked to a car registered to a Kashmir-based individual. Authorities are conducting DNA tests to confirm the identities of the victims and tracing the movements of the vehicle prior to the explosion.

While the technical aspects of the investigation proceed, the human impact remains clear. Families mourn the loss of loved ones, children remain traumatized, and an entire community struggles to regain a sense of safety and normalcy. The Red Fort blast has left a lasting mark on the historic and commercial heart of Delhi, serving as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most familiar urban spaces to sudden acts of violence.

In the midst of fear and chaos, however, the resilience of local residents shines through. Their immediate response in aiding victims, helping contain the damage, and supporting one another underscores the strength of community bonds, even in the face of terror. As investigations unfold and security measures tighten, Delhi’s historic district begins the slow process of healing and recovery, determined to overcome both the physical and psychological aftermath of the Red Fort blast.

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