Eight Killed, 20 Injured in Explosion Near Red Fort in New Delhi

NEW DELHI, Nov 10: At least eight people were killed and 20 others injured in an explosion near the historic Red Fort in India’s capital, New Delhi, on Monday evening, police said.

According to Delhi Police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi, the exact cause of the blast remains under investigation. The explosion occurred in a densely populated area near a metro station in the old quarter of the city.

“Eight people have been killed in the explosion,” Tyagi confirmed, adding that rescue and security operations are ongoing.

Television footage showed mangled bodies, charred vehicles, and debris scattered across the street as emergency crews and firefighters rushed to the scene.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the explosion happened shortly before 7 p.m. when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light.

“An explosion occurred inside that vehicle, damaging nearby cars and autorickshaws. The situation is being closely monitored,” Golcha told reporters.

Officials said at least six vehicles and three autorickshaws caught fire in the blast. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control shortly after.

Ambulances ferried the injured to nearby hospitals, including a large public hospital where anxious families gathered for updates.

One resident described the moment of the explosion:

“We heard a loud bang, and our windows shook,” the witness told NDTV.

Another local, Musarrat Ansari, said her brother was injured when a burning car crashed into his motorcycle.

“He called me and said his leg was hurt he couldn’t walk,” she said tearfully outside the hospital.

Authorities have placed Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh on high security alert following the incident, given their proximity and previous terror threats in major Indian cities.

The Red Fort, completed in 1648 during the Mughal era, is one of India’s most iconic landmarks. It serves as the site for the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address and is featured on India’s largest currency note.

As investigators comb the blast site, police have not ruled out sabotage or terrorism, though they said it is too early to draw conclusions.

Security has been tightened across Delhi, with additional patrols deployed around key government and tourist areas as authorities seek to determine the cause of the deadly explosion.