Delhi Shocked by Deadly Explosion
New Delhi, November 10, 2025:
A massive car explosion near Red Fort on Monday evening killed eight people and injured over 20 others. The blast happened at 6:52 PM near Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station, one of Delhi’s busiest areas.
Eyewitnesses saw a white Hyundai i20 burst into flames without warning. Within seconds, fire spread to six nearby cars, two e-rickshaws, and an auto-rickshaw. Thick smoke covered the area as people ran for safety.
“It sounded like a bomb. The flames reached above the streetlights,” said shopkeeper Aslam Khan, who was close to the site.
Rescue Teams Act Swiftly
Firefighters and police arrived within minutes. They controlled the fire by 7:30 PM, but several people were already trapped in burning vehicles.
“Eight people have died and more than twenty are injured. Many suffered severe burns,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Central) Dinesh Kumar.
Emergency vehicles blocked nearby roads, including Ring Road and Chandni Chowk, to help rescue teams move freely.
NIA Begins Investigation
The explosion triggered a major investigation. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) collected debris and examined CCTV footage.
Videos show the car parked near Red Fort since 3 PM. Officials suspect either an improvised explosive device (IED) or a fuel-tank blast. Forensic teams are testing samples to confirm.
“We are checking all possibilities — accident, sabotage, or terror activity,” said a senior Delhi Police officer.
Investigators identified the vehicle’s owner, a resident of Faridabad, and began questioning him about the car’s movements and history.
Government and Public Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached the site late Monday. He met security officials and ordered a high-level probe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received updates and asked agencies for a detailed report.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the incident “deeply disturbing.” The state government announced ₹10 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for each injured victim.
“We will strengthen security around heritage zones immediately,” Kejriwal said.
Why the Location Raises Concern
The explosion occurred just 500 meters from Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and India’s Independence Day address venue.
Security experts fear the blast exposed major safety gaps. Retired Colonel Suresh Menon commented:
“Even if accidental, a blast near Red Fort carries symbolic weight. It reminds us that heritage zones need tighter control.”
The area usually remains under constant surveillance, yet this car stayed parked for hours without inspection.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Rescue workers from Delhi Fire Services and DDMA (Disaster Management Authority) worked overnight to clear wreckage. Nearby hospitals such as Lok Nayak Hospital and RML Trauma Centre treated the injured.
Authorities set up a helpline for relatives of missing persons. DMRC temporarily halted metro services between Lal Qila and Kashmere Gate for safety checks, resuming by 10 PM.
What Officials Have Confirmed
- Time: 6:52 PM, November 10
- Place: Near Red Fort Metro Gate 1
- Casualties: 8 dead, 20+ injured
- Vehicles Burned: 9 total
- Agencies Involved: Delhi Police, NIA, NSG, Fire Services
- Probable Cause: IED or fuel-tank ignition (under investigation)
- Area Sensitivity: Close to Red Fort heritage zone
Delhi on High Alert
After the explosion, Delhi Police increased patrols in Old Delhi, Connaught Place, and border areas. Neighbouring cities Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad also went on high alert.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a national advisory, urging all states to boost security in markets and parking lots.
Investigators are scanning 200+ CCTV cameras around Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. They aim to track the car’s arrival and identify any suspicious activity.
Locals Describe Chaos and Fear
Residents described the explosion as one of the scariest moments in recent years.
“We were closing the shop when the ground shook. I saw people screaming and running. It was like a scene from a movie,” said Razia Begum, a street vendor near Lal Qila.
Videos on social media show burning cars, black smoke, and rescue teams pulling people away from the scene. Many users criticized the lack of security checks near tourist areas.
The Road Ahead
Investigators expect to share preliminary forensic results within two days. If the explosion proves intentional, it will mark the first major attack in central Delhi in recent years.
Experts believe the incident will push Delhi authorities to:
- Tighten vehicle screening around landmarks.
- Expand AI-based camera systems.
- Train local police for rapid emergency response.
Delhi continues to mourn the lives lost while demanding stronger safety measures for public areas.
Tanisha Singh writes for Hindi News 99, covering India news and technology with accurate and engaging updates.