Delhi Red Fort Blast: Hyundai i20 Car Explosion Kills 8, Amit Shah Confirms Investigation
Key Takeaways
- Eight people killed, several injured in car explosion near Red Fort
- Hyundai i20 vehicle exploded at traffic signal on Subhash Marg
- NSG, NIA, FSL teams investigating possible terror angle
- High alert issued across Delhi and multiple states
A powerful explosion ripped through a Hyundai i20 car near Gate No. 1 of Lal Qila Metro Station in Delhi’s Red Fort area on Monday evening, killing eight people and injuring several others. The blast set multiple vehicles on fire, causing widespread panic in the crowded Old Delhi district.
Official Statements and Investigation
Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the incident, stating: “This evening, at around 7 pm, a Hyundai i20 car exploded at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort in Delhi. The blast injured several pedestrians and damaged multiple vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that some people have lost their lives.”
Within ten minutes of the blast, teams from Delhi Crime Branch and Special Branch reached the scene. The NSG, NIA, and FSL have launched a thorough investigation, with orders to review all nearby CCTV footage.
“We are examining all possibilities and conducting a comprehensive investigation. All options will be considered and the findings will be shared with the public,” said Home Minister Amit Shah.
Police Commissioner’s Account
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha stated the explosion occurred around 6:52 PM in a slow-moving vehicle at a red light. “Due to the blast, nearby vehicles were also damaged. All agencies, including FSL and NIA, are on-site. Some people have died, and others have been injured,” he confirmed.
The Home Minister is continuously monitoring the situation and has spoken to senior Delhi Police officials. NSG and NIA teams are investigating from a possible terror angle.
Impact and Emergency Response
According to Delhi Fire Services, the explosion caused fires in three to four vehicles. Seven fire tenders were immediately dispatched as authorities cordoned off the area. Entry and exit at Lal Qila Metro Station gates 1 and 4 have been restricted, though metro services continue normally.
The blast was so powerful it shattered windows of vehicles parked several meters away and was heard across nearby buildings. Eyewitnesses described chaos with vehicles burning and people fleeing in panic.
“The car in front of me was about two feet away. I don’t know whether there was a bomb or something else, but it exploded,” said an injured auto driver.
Casualties and Security Measures
Casualties have been rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, where officials confirmed eight fatalities with others in serious condition.
Authorities have raised security alerts not only in Delhi but also in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand. Police chiefs across states have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly in sensitive districts, religious sites, and border areas.
Context and Ongoing Investigation
The Red Fort, located in Old Delhi near Chandni Chowk, is one of the city’s busiest tourist areas, drawing heavy footfall especially during festivals and wedding seasons.
The explosion comes a day after Jammu and Kashmir police dismantled a terror module involving Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, which spanned Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Eight people, including three doctors, were arrested with explosives and weapons seized from Faridabad.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the Red Fort blast, with all security agencies on high alert across the national capital.
