New Delhi: Delhi’s historic Chandni Chowk market will remain closed on Tuesday, following a tragic high-intensity explosion that ripped through a car near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, killing 13 people and injuring 24 others, officials confirmed.
Announcing the market closure, Sanjay Bhargav, President of the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association, said the decision was taken “as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives” and in view of security concerns in the area.
“The explosion occurred very close to the Red Fort area, just a few hundred metres away from Chandni Chowk. The entire building shook from the impact,” Bhargav said.
💥 The Blast Incident
The explosion took place at around 6:52 PM, when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light near Red Fort Metro Station and suddenly detonated.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha told reporters that several vehicles were damaged in the blast. “There were passengers inside the vehicle that exploded. Nearby vehicles were also affected. All agencies are taking stock of the situation,” he said.
Visuals from the site showed charred cars, shattered glass, and mangled debris scattered across the road, with emergency responders rushing to rescue the injured.
🚒 Rescue Operations and Fire Containment
According to Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik, the fire resulting from the blast was brought under control by 7:29 PM.
“We received a call about the explosion around 7 PM. Seven fire units were immediately dispatched to the spot. At least 20 fire engines were deployed in total,” Malik said, adding that the situation is now under control.
The area has since been cordoned off by police, with teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and the forensic department examining the site for evidence.
🕌 Old Delhi on Alert
Both the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk are located in the densely populated Old Delhi district — a hub of trade, culture, and tourism. The incident has left locals shaken, especially given the area’s heavy evening footfall.
Security across Delhi — particularly around markets, metro stations, and heritage sites — has been tightened following the explosion.
Officials said that investigations are underway to determine whether the blast was accidental or a deliberate act of terror.
⚠️ What We Know So Far
- Time of Blast: 6:52 PM
- Location: Near Red Fort Metro Station, Old Delhi
- Casualties: 13 dead, 24 injured (as per preliminary reports)
- Response: 20 fire tenders deployed; area cordoned off
- Agencies Involved: Delhi Police, NIA, NSG, Forensics Team
- Aftermath: Chandni Chowk market to remain closed Tuesday
🕯️ Public Reaction and Security Measures
Residents and shopkeepers described the blast as “deafening” and “unlike anything heard before.” Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion’s shockwave was felt several hundred metres away.
The Delhi Police, along with central agencies, continues to probe the cause of the explosion. Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid spreading rumours and cooperate with officials.