A car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort caused fire and panic on Monday evening, injuring several and damaging nearby shops and vehicles.
New Delhi: A major explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening created chaos in one of the city’s busiest areas. The blast reportedly came from a parked car outside Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station around 7 PM. The explosion set nearby shops and vehicles on fire, injuring several people and causing panic in the crowded Chandni Chowk area.
Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud blast followed by thick black smoke. “It felt like the ground was shaking. Glass windows broke everywhere,” said Rajesh Kumar, a local shopkeeper who managed to escape. The fire spread quickly to nearby cars and market stalls, damaging property worth lakhs of rupees.
Fire officials said the explosion started in a white car — possibly due to a cylinder blast, engine fault, or even a planted device. Five fire engines reached the spot within minutes and took about 45 minutes to control the flames. Three to four vehicles and several small shops were completely burnt.
At least 5–7 people were injured, including pedestrians and shop workers. Two are in critical condition at LNJP Hospital. While no deaths have been officially confirmed, police said they are still verifying reports of possible casualties.
The Delhi Police and forensic teams have sealed off the area and are checking for any other explosive material. Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads are also on the scene. Authorities said they are investigating all angles — whether it was an accident or a deliberate act. “We are collecting evidence and CCTV footage,” said DCP (North) Manoj Meena.
The Red Fort area, which attracts thousands of tourists daily, has now been placed under tight security. Social media is flooded with videos of the blast, with hashtags #DelhiRedFortBlast and #LalQilaExplosion trending on X (formerly Twitter).
Officials have urged people to stay calm and avoid spreading rumors. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be shared soon.
