A powerful explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening left eight people dead and at least 24 injured, prompting a massive security and investigative response across the national capital and neighboring states. While initial fears pointed to a terror attack, senior officials have clarified that it is too early to confirm whether the blast was caused by a bomb, as forensic teams continue to examine the mangled vehicle and surrounding area.

Blast Timeline and Immediate Aftermath

The explosion occurred at around 6:52 pm at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near Gate No.1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station, a central tourist and commercial area that usually sees heavy footfall. According to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, a slow-moving Hyundai i20 stopped at the red light when the vehicle suddenly exploded, damaging nearby cars and causing widespread panic.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos: several people were killed instantly, body parts were scattered across the road, and multiple vehicles, including six cars, two e-rickshaws, and an auto-rickshaw, caught fire. Buildings trembled from the blast, and thick plumes of smoke rose over the area. Local shopkeepers and residents recounted hearing a deafening explosion that felt like an earthquake, with one describing falling three times due to the shockwave.

The Delhi Fire Services received a call about the incident at around 6:55 pm, just minutes after the explosion. Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik said seven fire tenders were immediately dispatched, and the fire was brought under control by 7:29 pm.

Investigative Response

Within ten minutes of the blast, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Special Cell of the Delhi Police arrived at the scene. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) also joined the probe, collecting evidence from the vehicle and surrounding area.

A senior Delhi Police officer stated, “The explosion happened in a moving car on the road. There is no crater at the spot, so we cannot say if it is a bomb blast. Also, no pellet or splinter injuries have been reported, which are common in bomb explosions.” Another senior Special Cell official confirmed, “No nails, no splinters, no shrapnel, no wires, no chemicals found. No suspicious debris has been recovered so far.”

Authorities have also begun tracing the ownership history of the Hyundai i20. At least two previous owners have been detained for questioning to determine the vehicle’s chain of custody and whether there was any suspicious activity.

Political and Administrative Reaction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah shortly after the incident to take stock of the situation. Modi extended his condolences in a post on X, writing: “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi earlier this evening. May the injured recover at the earliest. Those affected are being assisted by authorities. Reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and other officials.”

Home Minister Amit Shah visited the blast site and the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, where most of the injured were admitted. Speaking to news agency ANI, Shah said: “The blast injured some pedestrians and damaged vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that some people have lost their lives. Within ten minutes of receiving information, teams from Delhi Police arrived at the spot. The NSG and NIA teams, along with the forensic team, have begun a thorough investigation, and orders have been given to examine all nearby CCTV footage. All angles are being explored, and the findings will be shared with the public.”

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed her grief and urged residents to rely only on official information, writing that every assistance was being provided to those affected. Former Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal called the explosion “extremely alarming,” emphasizing the need for an immediate and thorough investigation. Several political leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, BJD leader Naveen Patnaik, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed condolences and called for a swift probe.

Security Measures and Alerts

In response to the blast, Delhi Police sounded a high alert across the national capital, cordoned off the area, and stepped up patrolling. Surrounding states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, were also placed on alert. Noida police intensified checks at metro stations and other crowded areas, erecting barricades to inspect suspicious vehicles and maintain security. Chandni Chowk market, a major commercial hub near the Red Fort, was closed on Tuesday, November 11, as a precaution.

Witness Accounts and Ground Reports

Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes. One local resident said, “I could not believe what it was. When we saw someone’s severed hand on the road, we were absolutely shocked.” Auto driver Zeeshan, who was injured, recalled, “A car in front of me, about two feet away, caught fire. I don’t know whether there was a bomb in it or something else, but it exploded.”

According to Delhi Police, the blast caused extensive damage to nearby vehicles, with six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one auto-rickshaw destroyed. Firefighters worked swiftly to contain the blaze, preventing further casualties.

Broader Context

The explosion occurred just hours after Haryana police, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir authorities, arrested Dr. Muzammil Ganaie from Faridabad and seized 360 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, arms, ammunition, and timers from his rented house. While this incident initially heightened fears of a terror connection, investigators have clarified that no direct link has been established between the Faridabad module and the Red Fort explosion.

Investigation Underway

At this stage, authorities are exploring all possibilities, including fuel-related accidents, mechanical failure, or deliberate sabotage. The NIA and Delhi Police continue to analyze forensic evidence from the vehicle and surrounding area. Teams are also reviewing CCTV footage, vehicle ownership records, and witness statements to determine the exact cause.

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