A powerful explosion outside the iconic Red Fort in Old Delhi on Monday evening left at least nine people dead and several others injured, triggering a massive security response across the national capital. The blast, which occurred around 6:52 PM near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, also caused multiple vehicles to catch fire, according to Delhi Police officials.
Sequence of Events
Eyewitnesses and police sources said a slow-moving car had halted at a red light near the Red Fort Metro Station when the explosion took place. The impact of the blast was so intense that it shattered the windows of vehicles parked several metres away and was heard as far as ITO, nearly three kilometres from the spot.
Several bystanders were caught in the explosion, and rescue teams, including the fire department and ambulances, rushed to the scene within minutes. Firefighters managed to douse the flames that engulfed nearby vehicles, while police cordoned off the area for investigation.
Police Statement
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said initial reports suggest that two to three people were inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion. “A slow-moving car stopped at the red light near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, following which an explosion took place at 6:52 PM. We are verifying the identities of those inside and trying to ascertain the cause of the blast,” Golcha said.
He added that forensic teams and the Special Cell of Delhi Police are examining debris and CCTV footage from the vicinity to trace the sequence of events leading up to the incident.
Government Response and High-Level Meeting
In the wake of the blast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened an urgent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence late Monday night. The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and top officials from intelligence and security agencies.
Speaking to reporters, Amit Shah assured the public that all angles were being investigated.
“We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking every possibility into account. All options will be probed immediately, and we will present the results to the public,” Shah said.
Security Measures and Advisory
Following the explosion, Delhi Police issued a high alert across the city. Entry and exit gates 1 and 4 of Lal Quila (Red Fort) Metro Station have been closed until further notice. The Delhi Police Special Cell has cordoned off the area, and commuters have been advised to avoid the Red Fort and surrounding zones.
The blast has heightened security concerns in the capital, especially given the high footfall near heritage sites and public transport hubs. Intelligence agencies are working closely with the Delhi Police to determine whether the explosion was an accident or an act of terror.
As investigations continue, officials have appealed to the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
