Outside Delhi’s LNJP Hospital on Tuesday morning, scenes of grief, confusion, and despair unfolded as families of those killed in the Red Fort blast gathered to identify and collect the bodies of their loved ones. The hospital grounds remained tense and chaotic, with many relatives torn between hope and heartbreak as they awaited confirmation of missing family members.

Security around the mortuary was strict, with access restricted to authorised personnel. Despite this, several people were seen pleading with hospital staff for any information they could offer. Ambulances continued to arrive and depart, intensifying the emotional strain on families waiting outside. Many broke down as the reality of the tragedy became clearer with each ambulance door that opened.

A mortuary worker, who had finished an early morning shift, described the condition of the bodies as extremely distressing. According to him, the blast’s impact had left most victims mangled beyond recognition. He said many bodies were reduced to “lumps of flesh,” with internal organs torn apart or missing, making identification extremely difficult. The devastation, he added, was unlike anything he had witnessed in recent times.

Among the grieving families was that of Noman, one of the 12 victims of Monday evening’s explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station. His relatives stood together, supporting one another as they identified his body. When authorities carried his remains wrapped in white cloth to an ambulance, the family followed quietly, devastated by the sudden loss. Noman’s friend Sonu said he could not bring himself to enter the mortuary, unable to face the sight of his friend’s body.

Throughout the morning, bodies were handed over to families who managed to identify them. One group of relatives sat in an e-rickshaw, weeping as they followed an ambulance carrying the remains of their loved one. Many used each other for support, clasping hands or holding shoulders as they processed the tragedy.

The blast, which tore through a slow-moving vehicle at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station around 7 pm on Monday, left at least twelve people dead. The bodies were transported to the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital, which has since been under intense security. The emergency ward was sealed off, and entry was barred to all except essential personnel.

On Tuesday morning, patients arriving for routine appointments were redirected to other blocks of the hospital, causing significant inconvenience and confusion. Security personnel stationed at various entry points turned away anyone attempting to enter the emergency or casualty wards. Several gates were closed altogether, forcing people to search for alternative entry routes.

A patient near Gate 4 told PTI that he had been instructed to take a long detour to access another gate. Anita Gupta, whose mother is currently admitted at the hospital, expressed frustration over the sudden restrictions. She said the gates were locked when she arrived, and security guards were directing everyone away—even patients and their attendants. According to her, the guards insisted that people leave the area immediately, citing safety protocols following the blast.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena visited the hospital late Tuesday morning to review the situation and assess the ongoing response. His presence underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgency with which city authorities are working as investigations continue.

With families grieving, investigations underway, and security heightened across Delhi, LNJP Hospital has become the sombre epicentre of a tragedy that has shaken the city and left dozens of families searching for answers and closure.