At least eight individuals lost their lives on Monday in a car blast close to the historic Red Fort in a crowded section of New Delhi, as confirmed by a police representative. The cause of the explosion, a rare occurrence in the heavily secured city with over 30 million residents, is currently under investigation, stated police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi. Following the incident, Mumbai and the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh, which borders Delhi, heightened their security measures. Reports from TV channels indicated that around 20 people sustained injuries in the explosion, with ambulances rushing to the scene.
The aftermath of the explosion revealed mangled bodies and the wreckage of multiple vehicles on a congested street near a metro station in the old quarter of New Delhi, prompting a swift response from law enforcement to secure the area and disperse onlookers. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha mentioned that the blast occurred just before 7 p.m. local time. He explained that a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light, leading to an explosion within the vehicle and causing damage to nearby vehicles.
Federal and state investigative bodies are present at the scene, and Home Minister Amit Shah has been briefed on the situation, Golcha further stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his sympathies to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He mentioned coordinating with Shah and other officials to assess the situation.
Additionally, Delhi’s deputy fire chief reported that at least six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws caught fire during the incident, but the flames were successfully extinguished by firefighting teams. Witness accounts described the chaotic scene near the blast site, with people running for safety. The area was heavily secured post the extinguishing of the fire, with numerous ambulances present, and the remains of damaged vehicles scattered around.
The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a monumental 17th-century structure showcasing a blend of Persian and Indian architectural designs, drawing tourists year-round. The fort holds significance as the venue where the prime minister addresses the nation on India’s independence day, August 15. While Delhi has faced previous bombing incidents in the past, the recent blast near the Red Fort has once again raised concerns about security in the capital city.
