Eight Killed, Several Injured in Powerful Car Explosion Near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station

At least eight people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a car near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, setting nearby vehicles ablaze and sending shockwaves across the area, officials said.

The blast, which occurred near Gate No. 1 of Lal Qila Metro Station, was so intense that it shattered the windows of vehicles parked several metres away and was heard across surrounding buildings.

According to the Delhi Fire Services, the explosion triggered fires in three to four vehicles. Seven fire tenders were rushed to the scene as police cordoned off the area and issued a citywide high alert. Entry and exit from Gates 1 and 4 of Lal Qila Metro Station were restricted, though metro services continued normally across the network.

A senior Delhi Police official said the explosion appeared to have occurred in a moving car on the road.

“There is no crater at the spot, so we cannot confirm if it was a bomb blast. No pellet or splinter injuries have been reported so far, which are typical in such cases. The car — a Hyundai i20 — had two to three occupants. It is completely mangled. Forensic teams are collecting samples,” the official said.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos moments after the explosion.

“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 suddenly,” said an injured auto driver.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said he was in constant touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has been personally monitoring the situation.

In a press briefing, Home Minister Shah confirmed that the explosion occurred around 7 PM at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near Red Fort and that investigative agencies had swung into action immediately.

“Within 10 minutes of receiving the information, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Special Branch arrived at the spot. The NSG, NIA, and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are now conducting a detailed investigation. Orders have been given to examine all nearby CCTV footage,” Shah said.
“We are exploring every angle — whether it’s accidental, criminal, or terror-linked. I will personally visit the site and meet those injured at the hospital,” he added.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has issued a nationwide high alert, tightening security at airports, metro stations, heritage sites, government buildings, and other key installations under its purview.

The incident comes just hours after security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, in coordination with teams from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, busted a major terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. Eight people, including three doctors, were arrested in Faridabad, and 360 kilograms of explosives along with weapons were recovered from a rented house in Dhauj village.

Authorities have not yet confirmed any link between the Delhi explosion and the terror module bust, but investigations are ongoing.

Delhi remains on high alert, with multiple security agencies working jointly to determine the cause of the blast and prevent any further incidents.