A deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort killed 13 and injured several. [Photo: X/Sudeshna Singh]
A massive explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Sunday evening shocked the nation. The blast, which occurred near the Red Fort Metro Station, claimed 13 lives and left several others injured. Following the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took immediate cognisance and directed a high-level investigation.
According to reports, the explosion took place around 7 pm in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal, close to Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. The blast was powerful enough to damage several vehicles and injure pedestrians nearby.
A call was made to the Delhi Fire Department, which quickly dispatched seven fire tenders to control the flames. As per news agency ANI, three to four vehicles caught fire following the explosion.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that teams from multiple investigation agencies have been deployed. Sharing initial details, he said:
This evening, around 7 pm, a blast occurred in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort in Delhi. The blast injured some pedestrians and damaged some vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that some people have lost their lives.
Within 10 minutes of receiving the information about the blast, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Delhi Special Branch arrived at the spot. The NSG and NIA teams, along with the FSL, have now begun a thorough investigation.
Orders have been given to examine all nearby CCTV cameras. I have also spoken to the Delhi CP and the Special Branch in charge. The Delhi CP and the Special Branch in charge are present at the spot.
We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account. All options will be investigated immediately, and we will present the results to the public. I will be heading to the spot shortly and will also visit the hospital immediately.
In the aftermath of the explosion, security agencies have issued a high alert across multiple states, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The Delhi Police Special Cell and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are now leading the probe with assistance from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and National Security Guard (NSG).
Authorities are scanning CCTV footage and collecting evidence from the site to determine whether the explosion was an accident or an act of terror.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by flames near the Metro gate. Panic spread across the area as people rushed to safety. The police quickly cordoned off the site, and bomb disposal squads began inspection.
Several injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue and forensic teams continue to examine the damaged vehicles and surroundings.
The Red Fort explosion has raised fresh concerns about security in the national capital, especially near iconic landmarks. With the blast site located close to a high-traffic zone, investigators are exploring all angles — including possible links to organised groups.
As Amit Shah personally heads to the spot, authorities are working round the clock to uncover the cause of the explosion. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need to enhance urban surveillance and public safety systems in key areas of Delhi.
