Delhi Red Fort car explosion kills 8: Probe begins amid security concerns

At least eight people were killed and several others injured after a car exploded near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Tuesday evening, triggering panic in one of the city’s busiest areas and prompting a high-level investigation into possible causes.

The explosion occurred around 6.40 p.m. at a traffic signal close to the Red Fort metro station. According to preliminary police reports, the car was stationary in traffic when it suddenly caught fire and exploded. Eyewitnesses said the blast was powerful enough to shatter nearby windows and scatter debris across the road.

An explosion in a parked car near Gate 1 of the Red Fort, Delhi, was reported. Eyewitnesses say the cars parked nearby caught fire in the impact. There is no confirmation of whether this was an accident in a poorly maintained vehicle or a deliberate terrorist attack. pic.twitter.com/n87iILit1o

— The Squirrels (@thesquirrelsin) November 10, 2025

Fire tenders and police teams rushed to the spot within minutes. The area was cordoned off and traffic diverted. Videos circulating on social media showed the car engulfed in flames, with bystanders attempting to pull victims away before emergency services arrived.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) R. Sathiyasundaram told reporters that the vehicle was moving slowly before the explosion. “We are yet to ascertain whether it was a mechanical failure, a CNG leak, or something else. Forensic teams are collecting samples,” he said.

Amit Shah’s hospital visit

Amid speculations that terrorism might have struck the country again, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the injured at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital later in the night. Speaking to reporters outside, Shah said, “We are not ruling out any possibility at this stage. A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been asked to assist Delhi Police in the probe.”

Pained beyond words by the loss of lives in a blast in Delhi. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Have visited the blast site and also met the injured in the hospital. My prayers for their quick recovery.

Top agencies are investigating the incident…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 10, 2025

Shah met doctors treating the victims and assured that all medical expenses would be covered by the government. He also directed Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora to submit a detailed report within 24 hours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Varanasi, was briefed on the situation and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. “The incident near Red Fort is deeply distressing. My thoughts are with the bereaved families,” he posted on X.

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.@AmitShah

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 10, 2025

Security alert near heritage zone

The explosion took place barely 500 metres from the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Delhi’s most visited tourist attractions. The site and its surrounding areas are considered high-security zones, especially because the monument is used for national events such as Independence Day celebrations.

Police have increased security across the city, including at metro stations, markets and government buildings. “We have put all units on high alert,” said a senior official from Delhi Police’s Special Cell. “While there is no confirmed evidence of a terror angle, we are not taking chances.”

Personnel from the Delhi Fire Service confirmed that the vehicle was completely gutted. Chief Fire Officer Atul Garg said, “We received the call at 6.47 p.m. Two fire tenders were rushed to the scene and the blaze was brought under control in about 20 minutes. The explosion appears to have originated near the fuel tank, but we will await forensic confirmation.”

Eyewitness accounts

Commuters who were near the signal described scenes of chaos and confusion. Ramesh Kumar, a shopkeeper at the nearby Chandni Chowk intersection, said: “I heard a loud bang and saw fire shooting out of a white car. People started running in panic. Traffic was jammed for almost an hour.”

Another witness, Mehak Ali, who was travelling in an auto-rickshaw, said she saw the car stop just moments before the blast. “There was smoke first, then a huge sound. Everyone thought it was a gas cylinder explosion,” she recalled.

Forensic teams, preliminary leads

Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Rohini have begun examining the remnants of the vehicle. Early indications point to a possible fuel or gas leak, though officials have not ruled out the presence of an explosive device. “We are analysing chemical residues and mechanical components to determine the exact trigger,” an FSL scientist said.

Police sources said the car’s registration number traces back to an address in East Delhi. The owner has been identified and is being questioned. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from cameras along Netaji Subhash Marg and nearby intersections.

Public appeal, investigation status

The Delhi Police have urged the public to avoid spreading rumours on social media. “Unverified claims can hamper the investigation. We request citizens to share any information directly with the nearest police station,” a statement said.

By late evening, the toll had risen to eight confirmed deaths, with several others undergoing treatment for burns and injuries. The Red Fort area remained sealed off for several hours as bomb disposal squads carried out precautionary sweeps.

Officials said a clearer picture of what caused the explosion would emerge after forensic results are reviewed.

Aftermath, public sentiment

The blast has reignited debates over urban safety and the vulnerability of high-traffic areas around heritage monuments. Commuters faced major disruptions as traffic on key central Delhi routes was diverted through alternate corridors.

For residents and tourists alike, the shock of an explosion so close to one of India’s best-known landmarks underscored how quickly routine life can turn tragic.