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Eight individuals lost their lives and 20 others sustained injuries on Monday when a car detonated near the historic Red Fort in Delhi, India, according to police reports. This rare explosion occurred in a city guarded heavily, with a population exceeding 30 million.
Authorities issued alerts at major train stations nationwide, as well as in Mumbai, India’s financial hub, and in Uttar Pradesh, the neighboring state to Delhi, all of which were placed on heightened security.
“All possibilities are being explored,” stated Federal Home Minister Amit Shah, adding that security agencies are close to reaching a conclusion.
A man identified only as Salman, a former owner of the vehicle, was detained in connection with the incident, NDTV reported, without providing additional details. Reuters was unable to verify this information immediately.
The blast took place at a red traffic light, where the wreckage of multiple cars and mangled bodies could be seen on a busy street near a metro station in Delhi’s old quarter. Police arrived promptly to secure the area and disperse onlookers.
Delhi Police Chief Satish Golcha explained, “A slow-moving vehicle halted at a red light. An explosion occurred within that vehicle, damaging nearby cars as well.” The explosion happened shortly before 7 p.m. local time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies for those affected, wishing a swift recovery for the injured and assuring the public that assistance was being provided.
The incident caused fires in at least six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws, as reported by Delhi’s deputy fire chief.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud blast. One woman, Suman Mishra, recounted, “I was at the metro station, walking down the stairs, when I heard an explosion. I turned to see flames, and people started running in all directions.”
Wali Ur Rehman, who was at his shop nearby, said, “The explosion was intense enough to make me fall. It was very powerful.” Approximately 30 to 40 ambulances responded to the scene, which was cordoned off after the fire was extinguished.
The U.S. Embassy in Delhi issued a security warning to its nationals, advising avoidance of crowds and areas around the Red Fort, urging vigilance in popular tourist spots.
The Red Fort, locally called Lal Qila, is a sprawling 17th-century Mughal fortress that blends Persian and Indian architectural styles. It remains a major attraction for tourists year-round.
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