Car Explosion Near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station Kills Eight, Injures Dozens
A powerful explosion in a car near the Red Fort Metro Station in Old Delhi on Monday evening killed at least eight people and injured approximately 20‑plus others, authorities said.
Blast Details
The explosion occurred at about 6:52 p.m. local time at a traffic signal near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station (also referred to as the Red Fort Metro Station) on Netaji Subhash Marg.
According to the Delhi Police Commissioner, the blast happened as a slow‑moving vehicle had stopped at a red light; the vehicle exploded and damaged nearby vehicles.
The vehicle was identified as a white Hyundai i20 with Haryana registration.
Fire officials said that the blast triggered fires in multiple adjacent vehicles.
Casualties & Emergency Response
At least eight people have died; the injured are in critical condition in hospitals, including Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital (LNJP) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) trauma centre.
Seven fire‑tenders rushed to the site to control the blaze, and forensic teams moved in to investigate.
Investigation & Security Measures
The blast site has been cordoned off. The Delhi Police, along with agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG), are investigating the incident.
Authorities have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act.
Home Minister Amit Shah said all possibilities, including terror links, are being examined.
The Government has placed multiple states and major transport hubs on heightened alert.
Impact & Aftermath
The explosion occured in one of Delhi’s most congested and historically significant areas, directly across from the busy pedestrian stretch of Chandni Chowk and close to the Red Fort, a prominent 17th‑century monument.
Metro services continue to run across the city, but the Lal Qila Metro Station has been temporarily shut for security reasons.
Traffic authorities have advised commuters to avoid the Netaji Subhash Marg corridor and use alternate routes.
What’s Next
Investigators are analysing CCTV footage, vehicle registration records and forensic evidence. The vehicle remains central to the inquiry, as does the chain of ownership and movement prior to the explosion.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious objects or behaviour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed all agencies to ensure swift investigation and assistance to the injured.
The full picture of what triggered the blast remains unclear at this stage, whether it was a mechanical failure, an accidental explosion, or an act of terror. Authorities say a conclusive assessment will come after forensic reports.