Graphic and harrowing accounts are emerging from the scene of a deadly car explosion in Delhi, with one witness describing the horrifying sight of a “hand on the road” and another stating they saw a body “torn into pieces.” The blast, which occurred on Monday night near the historic Red Fort, ripped through a crowded intersection, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
The explosion happened just before 7 pm as a car waited at a red light outside the Red Fort metro station. Witnesses described the detonation as “very strong,” with shock waves powerful enough to be felt in nearby buildings. The blast ignited a massive fire, which quickly spread, engulfing over a dozen other vehicles, including cars, auto-rickshaws, and motorcycles.
The human toll was devastating, with authorities confirming eight people were killed and 19 others were injured. Emergency services responded immediately, with dozens of fire engines and ambulances rushing to the chaotic scene to battle the blaze and transport the wounded. The 19 injured individuals were all taken to a nearby government hospital for treatment.
The investigation is being spearheaded by the federal Home Ministry. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the blast site to assess the situation. He stated that the cause of the explosion is not yet known and will depend on a meticulous forensic analysis of samples collected from the wreckage. Shah assured the public that “all angles” are being investigated to determine the nature of the blast.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. As a precautionary measure, a high alert has been activated in Mumbai, the state of Uttar Pradesh, and at major train stations across India, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the event. The registered owner of the car that exploded has reportedly been detained for questioning.