New Delhi, November 10, 2025: A powerful explosion in a car near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening claimed the lives of eight people and injured several others, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred near Gate Number 1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station, a location that is typically crowded with both tourists and local residents. The blast was so intense that it shattered windows of nearby vehicles, set multiple cars ablaze, and was heard in surrounding buildings across the congested area of Old Delhi.

The Explosion and Immediate Aftermath

The blast occurred at approximately 6:52 PM, when a Hyundai i20 came to a stop at the red light on Subhash Marg, according to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene, with vehicles catching fire, buildings trembling, and panicked crowds fleeing from the area. “I never heard such a loud explosion in my life. I fell three times due to the blast. It felt as if we were all going to die,” said a local shopkeeper, as reported by news agencies. Another witness added, “We saw body parts scattered on the road. It was absolutely shocking.”

Following the explosion, three to four other vehicles caught fire. The Delhi Fire Services received a call at 6:55 PM, deploying seven fire tenders to control the blaze. The fire was brought under control by 7:29 PM. The area around Lal Quila Metro Station, particularly Gates 1 and 4, was cordoned off, while Delhi Metro services continued running normally across the network.

Investigation and Security Measures

Senior Delhi Police officials stated that it was too early to confirm whether the blast was caused by a bomb. A senior officer told Hindustan Times, “There is no crater at the spot, so we cannot say if it is a bomb blast. No pellet or splinter injuries have been reported so far, which are common in bomb explosions. The car had 2-3 occupants and was completely mangled. Forensic teams are collecting samples.”

Home Minister Amit Shah briefed the media, emphasizing that all angles of the incident are being thoroughly investigated. Shah confirmed that the Delhi Crime Branch, Delhi Special Branch, National Security Guard (NSG), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) were actively involved in the probe. Orders were also given to examine all nearby CCTV cameras.

Shah said, “We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all options into account. The results will be presented to the public promptly. I will also be heading to the spot and visiting the hospital immediately.”

National Security Alert

Following the explosion, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) issued a high alert across the country. Security has been tightened at airports, Delhi Metro stations, heritage sites, government buildings, and other critical installations. Additional high alert measures were also taken in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Kerala, Chandigarh, and Haryana, with police instructed to increase patrols and checks in sensitive areas such as bus stands, railway stations, crowded markets, and religious sites.

Context: Terror Module Bust in Faridabad

The blast coincided with a major crackdown by Jammu and Kashmir police, in coordination with other agencies, on a terror module spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. In Faridabad, eight individuals—including three doctors—were arrested in connection with links to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. Authorities recovered 360 kilograms of explosives and weapons from a house in Dhauj village, rented by one of the doctors. Although no direct link between the Red Fort blast and this terror module has been confirmed, investigators are exploring all possible angles.

Eyewitness Accounts

Residents and bystanders described scenes of chaos following the explosion. An auto driver named Zeeshan, who was injured in the blast, said, “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.” Another witness described the sight of charred vehicles, thick plumes of smoke, and panicked crowds scrambling for safety.

The Delhi Fire Services confirmed that six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw were gutted in the fire. Visuals from the scene showed plumes of fire and smoke rising from the vehicles, with bystanders trying to assist the injured before emergency services arrived.

Political and Public Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, urging authorities to provide immediate assistance to the injured. He also reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah and other officials. Several political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, and Priyanka Gandhi, expressed grief over the incident and called for a swift and thorough investigation.

Authorities have cautioned citizens to avoid spreading unverified information online and to remain vigilant in public spaces while the investigation continues.

Continuing Investigation

The National Investigation Agency is leading the probe to determine the cause of the blast. At present, forensic teams are examining the remains of the vehicle and nearby debris for evidence. Officials have stressed that the explosion could have resulted from the fuel tank or CNG cylinders of the car, though investigations are ongoing to rule out the possibility of explosives.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police and other agencies are reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas to reconstruct the moments leading up to the explosion. All nearby commercial establishments and residences are being inspected for potential evidence, and additional security personnel have been deployed to ensure public safety.

Summary

The Red Fort car explosion represents a serious security incident in one of Delhi’s most crowded and historically significant areas. With eight confirmed fatalities, multiple injuries, and significant damage to vehicles and property, authorities are treating the incident with the highest priority. Investigations are ongoing, with all possibilities—including accident, sabotage, or terror involvement—being thoroughly examined. High alert measures remain in place across Delhi and several other states as the nation monitors developments from this tragic incident.

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