New Delhi witnessed a scene of unprecedented horror on the evening of Monday, November 10, 2025, when a high-intensity explosion tore through a car near the iconic Red Fort, leaving eight dead and several others injured. The incident, which occurred during peak traffic hours, has sent shockwaves across the national capital and prompted authorities to sound red alerts in multiple states, including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

According to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the blast took place around 6:52 pm at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near Gate No.1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station. “A slow-moving vehicle stopped at the red light, and an explosion occurred in that vehicle. The impact was so severe that nearby cars were damaged, and people standing nearby suffered fatal injuries,” he said. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with multiple vehicles catching fire, windowpanes shattering, and buildings trembling from the force of the blast.

The car involved was later identified as a CNG-run Hyundai i20. First reports indicated that it took about three minutes for someone to call the fire brigade after the explosion. Fire tenders rushed to the scene, and by 7:29 pm, the blaze was brought under control. However, the damage was already done: several vehicles, including six cars, two e-rickshaws, and an auto-rickshaw, were gutted, and body parts of victims were reportedly strewn across the road.

The Red Fort area, a central tourist and government hub, generally sees heavy footfall and was particularly crowded at the time. The incident sparked immediate panic in nearby areas, including Chandni Chowk, which will remain closed on Tuesday, November 11, as a precautionary measure. “It felt like an earthquake. Our building, nearly 800 metres away, shook,” said Sanjay Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk market association.

Immediate Response and Investigation

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condemned the incident as “extremely distressing and alarming,” expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and urging citizens to avoid rumours and rely solely on official information. “Every possible assistance is being ensured for the affected people. Teams from Delhi Police, NSG, NIA, and FSL are working together to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter,” Gupta stated.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the blast site and the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, where most of the injured were being treated. He assured the public that all angles were being investigated. “A thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account, is being carried out, and the findings will be shared with the public,” Shah said. Authorities have begun reviewing nearby CCTV footage, and the NIA is expected to lead the federal investigation, given its mandate to probe terrorism-related and other national security crimes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of life and reviewed the situation with Home Minister Shah and other officials. “Those affected are being assisted by authorities. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, political leaders across parties expressed grief and called for an immediate probe. AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal described the explosion as “extremely alarming” and demanded an investigation into whether there was a larger conspiracy. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of life and emphasized the need for a transparent investigation. Other leaders, including Rajnath Singh, Mamata Banerjee, and Naveen Patnaik, also offered condolences and prayers for the victims.

Security Measures and Nationwide Alert

In response to the incident, high alert has been sounded across Delhi and neighboring states. Punjab police issued a red alert across all districts, deploying officers to sensitive locations and intensifying checks on vehicles and suspicious individuals. Similarly, Noida police carried out foot patrols and inspections at metro stations and crowded areas, setting up barricades and maintaining constant surveillance with CCTV cameras and patrol vehicles.

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Kolkata also heightened vigilance, fearing possible repercussions or copycat incidents. The timing of the blast, during peak traffic hours near a historic and politically significant site, added to the urgency of security measures nationwide.

Eyewitness Accounts

The immediate aftermath of the blast left residents and passersby traumatized. “I never heard such a loud explosion in my life. I fell three times due to the shock. It felt as if we were all going to die,” a local shopkeeper told ANI. Another eyewitness recounted seeing body parts on the road and expressed disbelief at the scale of destruction. Zeeshan, an auto driver who was injured, described how the car in front of him caught fire and exploded, though the exact cause—whether a bomb, CNG cylinder, or fuel tank ignition—remains unclear.

Authorities have noted that there is no crater at the spot, and initial examinations did not indicate pellet or splinter injuries, which are typically observed in conventional bomb blasts. This has left investigators considering multiple possible causes.

Context and Coincidences

The explosion coincided with heightened security concerns in the region, including the recent busting of a terror module in Faridabad involving the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind networks. Eight people, including three doctors, were arrested, and 360 kilograms of explosives were recovered. While investigators have not linked the Red Fort blast to this module, the timing of both events has added to public anxiety.

The incident also unfolded ahead of the final phase of Bihar elections, with social media reflecting fears and speculation about political and security ramifications. Residents and tourists near the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal-era monument and a symbol of India’s sovereignty, expressed concern over safety in public spaces.

Casualties and Relief Efforts

Eight people were confirmed dead in the blast, and at least 24 others were injured, some seriously. The victims were rushed to the nearby Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital. Delhi police and forensic teams have been examining the remains of the vehicles to determine the exact cause. Fire tenders and emergency personnel worked quickly to prevent further escalation and protect surrounding properties, including vehicles and historical sites.

Looking Ahead

Investigators are examining the complete ownership history of the Hyundai i20, with at least two former owners, Salman and Devender, being detained for questioning. The National Investigation Agency is expected to continue its probe into all angles, including potential mechanical failure, fuel-related causes, and any links to wider conspiracies.

Authorities have urged the public to maintain calm and cooperate with official advisories while the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, security forces across the capital and neighboring states remain on high alert to prevent further incidents.

The tragic blast near Delhi’s Red Fort serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities in crowded urban spaces, the critical need for timely intelligence and emergency response, and the importance of maintaining vigilance in areas of historical and political significance.