A quiet evening near Delhi’s historic Red Fort was shattered when a car suddenly exploded at a traffic light, killing at least eight people and injuring several others. The blast happened at around 6:52 pm local time, close to a busy metro station and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Authorities say the car, a Hyundai i20, had been moving slowly before coming to a stop at the red light. Moments later, it erupted in flames, damaging nearby vehicles and sending people running in all directions. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, where charred metal and broken glass littered the road.
Investigators are working to determine what caused the explosion and say they are examining every possible angle. Security teams, forensic experts, and national investigators have all been deployed to the site.
Leaders across the country have expressed heartbreak over the tragedy. The prime minister extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones, while opposition figures described the incident as deeply distressing. Senior officials visited both the scene and nearby hospitals where the injured were taken.
Witnesses say the moments after the blast were filled with fear and confusion. One man who was only a few hundred metres away described feeling the ground shake and noticing a sudden silence before crowds erupted into panic. Though he did not go close to the wreckage, he could see parts of the vehicle burning while bystanders tried to assist the wounded.
States surrounding Delhi have heightened security, especially at religious sites and crowded districts. Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh have also been placed on high alert due to the severity of the explosion and Delhi’s high-profile landmarks. Uttar Pradesh, home to major tourist attractions like the Taj Mahal, has increased patrols in vulnerable areas.
The explosion near the Red Fort—an iconic 17th-century Mughal monument visited by thousands daily—has raised fresh concerns about public safety and the need for tighter security around major sites in the capital.