At least eight individuals lost their lives due to a car explosion near the iconic Red Fort in the densely populated region of New Delhi, India’s capital city. The incident, which occurred on Monday, remains under investigation by authorities. In response to the rare event in the heavily guarded metropolis of over 30 million residents, heightened security measures were implemented in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, the neighboring state to Delhi.
Reports from TV channels indicated that around 20 people sustained injuries in the explosion as emergency services rushed to the scene. The aftermath revealed mangled bodies and damaged vehicles strewn along a congested street close to a metro station in Old Delhi. Police swiftly mobilized to secure the area and disperse onlookers.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha disclosed that the blast transpired shortly before 7 p.m. local time. He described the incident as originating from a slow-moving vehicle halted at a traffic signal, resulting in an explosion that affected nearby vehicles. Various federal and state investigative agencies are present at the site, with the federal Home Minister Amit Shah being briefed on the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured individuals. The Prime Minister assured that necessary assistance is being provided by the authorities and confirmed a thorough review of the incident with Shah and other officials.
Additional vehicles, including auto-rickshaws, caught fire following the explosion, as confirmed by Delhi’s deputy fire chief. The flames were successfully extinguished by firefighting teams. Eyewitnesses recalled chaotic scenes of panic and described the rapid response of ambulances and emergency services to the site.
The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, stands as a historical marvel from the Mughal era and serves as a popular tourist destination. The fort holds significance as the venue where the Prime Minister addresses the nation annually on India’s independence day, August 15.
Delhi has a history of being targeted by violent incidents, including bombings in the past decades. Past attacks have been attributed to Islamist militants and separatists, with the last major explosion occurring in 2011 outside the Delhi High Court, resulting in casualties.