New Delhi: A powerful explosion ripped through a car near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, leaving at least eight people dead and 24 injured, officials confirmed. The cause of the blast remains unclear, with police saying it is too early to confirm whether it was a bomb explosion.
“The explosion happened in a moving car on the road. There is no crater at the spot, so we cannot say if it is a bomb blast. Also, no pellet or splinter injuries have been reported so far, which are common in bomb explosions,” a senior Delhi Police officer told Hindustan Times.
The officer added, “The car, which was the source of the blast, had two to three occupants and was completely mangled. Forensic teams are collecting samples to determine the cause.”
Another senior Special Cell officer said, “No nails, no splinters, no shrapnel, no wires, and no chemicals were found. No suspicious debris has been recovered so far.”
💥 Massive Fire, Panic in Old Delhi
The explosion occurred near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, sparking a massive fire that engulfed multiple vehicles in the area.
According to officials, six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw were gutted in the blaze. Ten fire tenders were rushed to the scene, and the fire was brought under control by 7:29 PM, said Deputy Chief Fire Officer A.K. Malik.
Eyewitness videos shared by the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association showed charred vehicles, shattered glass, and bodies lying on the road as thick black smoke billowed into the evening sky.
“The blast was so loud that it felt like an earthquake. Our building, nearly 800 metres away, shook,” said Sanjay Bhargav, president of the traders’ association.
🕵️ Investigation Underway
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the probe, while Delhi Police’s Special Cell and forensic teams are examining remnants of the car to trace the source and composition of the explosion.
A high alert has been issued across the national capital, particularly around key public places, markets, and metro stations.
⚠️ Possible Link to Faridabad Seizure?
The explosion came just hours after the arrest of Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, a Kashmiri doctor, from Faridabad. Working jointly with Jammu and Kashmir Police, Haryana Police seized around 360 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with arms, ammunition, and timers, from his rented residence.
Investigators are probing whether the Delhi explosion has any link to the Faridabad seizure, though officials have not confirmed a connection yet.
🚨 What We Know So Far:
- Time of explosion: Around 6:52 PM
- Location: Near Gate No. 1, Red Fort Metro Station
- Casualties: 8 dead, 24 injured
- Vehicles damaged: 6 cars, 2 e-rickshaws, 1 autorickshaw
- Cause: Under investigation; no bomb fragments found yet
- Agencies involved: Delhi Police, NIA, NSG, Forensic teams