Car explosion near Delhi’s historic site
A shocking car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station, one of the busiest and most historic areas in Delhi, sent ripples of fear through the capital on Monday evening. The blast, which happened around 6:45 PM, tragically claimed the lives of at least eight people and left several others with serious injuries, as confirmed by officials.
The Incident
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of utter chaos as a white sedan erupted in flames while waiting at a red light on Netaji Subhash Marg — a road often bustling with commuters and tourists. In mere seconds, the fire spread to nearby vehicles, setting off a series of smaller explosions and sending thick clouds of smoke billowing into the air, visible from over a kilometer away.
Local shopkeeper Ramesh Kumar, who was close by when it all unfolded, shared his experience:
> “The car was just sitting at the signal when it suddenly burst into flames. People started running; the heat was unbearable.”
The Delhi Fire Service quickly dispatched five fire tenders to the scene and managed to extinguish the flames after nearly 40 minutes of intense firefighting. Rescuers and police swiftly evacuated the area, fearing more explosions could follow.
Investigations Underway
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion. However, initial reports indicate that the car may have contained flammable materials or even an improvised explosive device (IED).
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) have joined forces with the Delhi Police’s Special Cell to investigate the incident. The car’s registration details have been traced back to a trader based in Delhi, who is currently under questioning.
A senior NIA official, who preferred to remain anonymous, mentioned:
> “We are looking into all possibilities — from mechanical failure to intentional sabotage. Nothing is off the table.”
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A City on Edge
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of India’s independence, has always been a high-security area. Monday’s explosion highlights the delicate balance between public movement and security measures in a rapidly evolving city like Delhi.
As investigations unfold, one thing is certain: the capital's sense of safety has been rattled once more, serving as a reminder to both authorities and citizens that vigilance must remain a priority.
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