In a shocking incident that has gripped India’s capital, a massive explosion in a moving car near the iconic Red Fort has killed at least eight people and injured up to 24 others, authorities confirmed late Monday. The blast, which occurred during peak evening traffic, ignited a fierce fire that gutted several nearby vehicles and sent panic rippling through the bustling Old Delhi neighborhood. Police are investigating all angles, including potential terror links, as security forces swarm the site.
The explosion detonated around 6:52 PM local time (1:52 PM GMT) at a busy traffic signal near Gate 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, a stone’s throw from the 17th-century Mughal fortress that draws millions of tourists annually.
Eyewitnesses described a deafening boom followed by a fireball that engulfed the white Hyundai i20 sedan—carrying three occupants at the time—in seconds. “I was in my auto-rickshaw just 20 meters away when it happened. The car just burst like a bomb. Shrapnel flew everywhere, and people were screaming as flames spread to other vehicles,” recounted local vendor Rajesh Kumar, who escaped unharmed but helped ferry the injured to ambulances.
Delhi Police spokesperson confirmed the vehicle was slowing for a red light when it erupted, damaging six cars, two e-rickshaws, and an autorickshaw in the ensuing blaze. Seven fire tenders rushed to the scene, battling the inferno for over an hour amid reports of visible human remains scattered near the wreckage.
At least 19 to 24 people were rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, less than two miles away, where a heavy security cordon now restricts access. Doctors reported treating victims for severe burns, shrapnel wounds, and blast trauma, with several in critical condition. “We’ve triaged over 20 patients; the burns are extensive, but we’re doing everything we can,” said a hospital spokesperson.
Delhi Police have invoked Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), signaling a possible terrorist motive, based on initial forensic evidence and intelligence inputs. Teams from the National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) have descended on the site, combing through mangled debris for clues. CCTV footage has captured the moments before the blast, showing the driver—described as wearing a blue-and-black t-shirt—maneuvering through traffic.
