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Delhi Car Explosion Near Red Fort: What We Know So Far About the Blast That Killed Eight
At least eight people were killed and 20 injured after a car exploded near Delhi’s Red Fort — a rare and shocking incident in India’s high-security capital. Here’s everything we know about the blast, the investigation, and the government’s response.
Delhi Car Explosion Near Red Fort: What We Know So Far About the Blast That Killed Eight
A powerful car explosion near the historic Red Fort in India’s capital, Delhi, on Monday evening left eight people dead and 20 others injured, marking one of the most serious security incidents in the city in years.
Where did the explosion occur?
The blast took place near a traffic signal outside a metro station, right in front of the 17th-century Red Fort, one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. The area, part of Old Delhi, is surrounded by centuries-old Mughal-era structures that blend Persian and Indian architectural styles.
It’s also a major tourist hub, drawing thousands of visitors daily to its monuments and bustling markets known for food, textiles, and spices.
How many casualties have been reported?
Police have confirmed eight fatalities and at least 20 injuries. The car, which was moving slowly in traffic, reportedly exploded suddenly, damaging several nearby vehicles. Authorities are still identifying the victims, including those believed to have been inside the car at the time of the blast.
What are the authorities saying?
The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Delhi Police have launched a probe under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) — a stringent anti-terrorism law used for cases involving potential acts of terror.
Forensic teams are examining the scene for clues, while officials continue to analyze surveillance footage and witness accounts.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah said that “all angles” are being investigated, and no possibility is being ruled out.
Security has been tightened across several key locations, including railway stations, Mumbai (India’s financial hub), and parts of Uttar Pradesh, which borders Delhi.
Are explosions in Delhi common?
Explosions of this nature have become extremely rare in Delhi in recent years. However, the city witnessed multiple terror-related attacks in the past.
- September 2011: A bomb hidden in a briefcase exploded outside the Delhi High Court, killing 12 people and injuring dozens.
- 2000s: Several blasts targeted busy markets and bus stations, with Islamist and Sikh extremist groups blamed for the attacks.
The last major attack in the capital occurred over a decade ago, making Monday’s explosion a disturbing reminder of Delhi’s past security threats.