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Explosion near Red Fort leaves eight dead, 20 injured
A car explosion near Delhi's historic Red Fort killed at least eight people and injured 20 others on Tuesday, authorities confirmed. The blast occurred at approximately 18:52 local time (13:52 GMT) when a Hyundai i20 carrying three occupants detonated at a traffic light, damaging nearby vehicles, according to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha.
Investigation underway as security tightens
Delhi City Police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi stated that investigators are "exploring all possibilities" to determine the cause. Federal Home Minister Amit Shah announced that teams from India's National Security Guard (NSG), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and forensic experts are leading the probe.
"We will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account," Shah said after visiting the blast site and a nearby hospital. A high-level meeting of senior officials is scheduled for Tuesday morning to assess findings.
Heightened alerts in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh
Security measures have been escalated in Mumbai, India's financial hub, and the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh, home to landmarks like the Taj Mahal. Uttar Pradesh police official Amitabh Yash reported increased patrols at "sensitive religious sites, vulnerable districts, and border areas."
Eyewitnesses describe chaos and devastation
Local businessman Veeru Sindhi, present during the explosion, recounted scenes of "bodies and vehicles engulfed in flames." He told the BBC, "I am fully shaken by what I have seen. We tried to rescue people trapped inside the vehicles."
Another witness, located a few hundred meters away, described the moment: "It felt like everything stopped for a few seconds before everyone started running in all directions." Mangled car parts and locals aiding the injured were visible amid the chaos.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Eyewitness account to the BBC
Political reactions and public response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the victims' families, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called the incident "extremely heartbreaking." The blast site remains cordoned off, with armed personnel from the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), NSG, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed as investigations continue.
Context: A historic and symbolic location
The explosion occurred near the 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the venue for India's annual Independence Day speeches by the prime minister. The area is a major tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors daily.
