Explosion Near Red Fort in Delhi Leaves Eight Dead and Injured

An explosion occurred near the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuring at least 20 others. The incident took place around 7 pm, close to the Lal Qila Metro Station, when a car reportedly exploded at a traffic signal on Subhash Marg.

Authorities, including the Delhi Fire Services, received an emergency call shortly after the blast. The explosion caused damage to several nearby vehicles, leading to a rapid response from emergency services and law enforcement.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah provided updates following the incident, confirming that a Hyundai i20 car was involved in the explosion. He stated that the investigation is ongoing and that all potential causes are being considered. "We are looking into all possibilities," Shah remarked, promising that findings would be shared with the public.

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and the Delhi Special Branch arrived at the scene within ten minutes. Shah noted that personnel from the National Security Guard (NSG), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and forensic experts have begun a comprehensive investigation, including a review of CCTV footage from the vicinity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in the blast. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing assistance to those affected." He later consulted with Home Minister Shah about the situation.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha reported that the explosion was triggered by a slow-moving vehicle that stopped at a red light around 6:52 pm. He confirmed that immediate damage assessments are being carried out with all relevant agencies, including the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and NIA, on site.

In response to the blast, several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, have heightened security measures. Polling states such as Bihar and Haryana are also on alert. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) announced that the Delhi metro, key government buildings, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport have been placed on high alert, with personnel ready for deployment.

Additionally, all railway stations nationwide are under precautionary measures, and the Chandni Chowk market in Delhi will remain closed for the following day as a safety precaution. The Director General of Police in Gujarat has instructed all police units to enhance patrolling, and similar security reinforcements have been implemented in Tamil Nadu.

With investigations ongoing and public safety a priority, authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant in light of these developments.