Red Fort Blast: What Triggered the Deadly Explosion That Put Delhi on High Alert By Staff Reporter ...
Red Fort Blast: What Triggered the Deadly Explosion That Put Delhi on High Alert
By Staff Reporter | | New Delhi
New Delhi, November 10: A powerful explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening has left eight people dead and more than 20 injured, triggering a major security alert across the national capital and neighbouring states.
The blast occurred at around 6:52 PM near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort (Lal Qila) Metro Station, when a Hyundai i20 — registered in Haryana — exploded while stopped at a red light. The vehicle burst into flames, setting multiple nearby cars ablaze and causing panic among bystanders. Witnesses said the explosion was powerful enough to knock out street lights in the vicinity.
The Delhi Fire Department responded immediately, dispatching seven fire tenders and 15 ambulances. Fire teams brought the blaze under control after several nearby vehicles were gutted.
Authorities have detained the car’s registered owner, identified as Salman from Haryana, who told investigators he had earlier sold the vehicle. Preliminary inquiries indicate the car was resold multiple times and may have been bought using fake documents. Sources told investigators the vehicle was later linked to an individual named Tariq in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir.
Teams from the National Security Guard (NSG), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and forensic units are leading the probe. CCTV footage is being examined to trace the car’s movements, and officials are investigating whether the vehicle was carrying explosives intended for a crowded location but detonated prematurely.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation. PM Modi expressed grief over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the victims, confirming that those affected are receiving all possible assistance. Amit Shah visited the site and hospitals and said authorities are investigating the incident from all angles, including a potential terrorism link; however, the exact cause remains undetermined.
The blast came hours after security agencies in the region disrupted a separate terror module in Faridabad, where authorities seized nearly 2,900 kg of bomb-making material and made multiple arrests. Officials have not confirmed a direct connection between the two incidents and said investigations are ongoing.
Following the explosion, security agencies placed Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, and Kolkata on high alert. CISF-secured installations—including the Delhi Metro, Red Fort, Delhi Airport and key government buildings—are under enhanced surveillance. Rail and road checkpoints have been intensified, and additional patrolling and CCTV monitoring are in place across vital locations.
The US Embassy in India issued a security advisory asking American citizens to avoid the Red Fort area and remain vigilant in crowded public spaces and tourist spots. Authorities have urged all citizens to follow updates from local officials and avoid the blast-affected area to allow emergency services to operate.
Investigation continues. More details will be published as official information becomes available.
