Eight Killed in Car Explosion Near Delhi’s Iconic Red Fort; Security Tightened Across NCR

At least eight people were killed after a car exploded near the historic Red Fort in India’s capital, Delhi, on Monday evening.

According to city police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi, the exact cause of the explosion is under investigation. However, following the blast, authorities have issued a high-security alert in neighboring regions, including parts of Uttar Pradesh bordering Delhi, as well as Mumbai — India’s financial hub.

“The explosion claimed eight lives,” Tyagi confirmed. Local TV reports said at least 20 others were injured. Multiple ambulances rushed to the scene.

The blast occurred on a busy road near a metro station in Old Delhi, where police cordoned off the area as emergency teams worked to control the crowd. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with damaged vehicles and debris scattered across the street.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the explosion occurred just minutes before 7 p.m. local time (1330 GMT). “A slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light when it suddenly exploded,” he said. “The impact damaged several nearby vehicles.”

Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation. Delhi’s deputy fire chief later confirmed that six cars and three auto-rickshaws caught fire after the explosion. Firefighters have since brought the blaze under control.

A local resident, who did not wish to be named, told NDTV, “We heard a loud blast, and our windows shook.”

The Red Fort — a 17th-century Mughal monument known for its blend of Persian and Indian architecture — is one of India’s most visited tourist landmarks. Every year, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from its ramparts on Independence Day, August 15.