At least eight people were killed and 20 others injured when a car exploded near the iconic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday, a rare attack in a city with a population of over 30 million. Authorities immediately placed major train stations across India, the financial hub Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh, the neighboring state, on high alert.
The blast occurred in the congested area near a metro station, just before 7 p.m. local time, when a car stopped at a red light. According to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the explosion caused nearby vehicles, including auto-rickshaws, to catch fire. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang, followed by chaos as people fled the scene. The blast left mangled bodies and the wreckage of several vehicles on the street.
Authorities arrested Salman, the car’s previous owner, in connection with the explosion, though details of his involvement have not been fully disclosed. The Federal Home Minister, Amit Shah, assured the public that all angles were being investigated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery. “Those affected are being assisted by authorities,” he wrote on social media.
The blast also triggered a significant emergency response, with 30 to 40 ambulances seen at the site. Following the explosion, the area was cordoned off and the fire was quickly extinguished. Firefighters reported that at least six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws were set ablaze.
The U.S. Embassy in Delhi issued a security alert, urging American citizens to avoid the area and remain cautious around crowded locations near the Red Fort, a popular tourist attraction.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a Mughal-era fortress known for its stunning blend of Persian and Indian architecture, attracting visitors from around the world.
