New Delhi: A powerful explosion outside Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening killed eight people and left several others injured. The blast triggered a massive fire that engulfed six cars, four motorcycles, and three e-rickshaws parked near the site, according to officials.
Dr B. L. Chaudhary, MD of Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed that eight bodies were brought in and six injured people are receiving treatment. The Delhi Fire Service received a call at 6.55 pm and sent seven fire tenders to the spot. The flames were contained by 7.36 pm.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range) Madhur Verma stated that the car involved was CNG-equipped, and it is too early to determine the cause of the explosion. A combined team of the Delhi Police Special Cell, National Security Guard (NSG), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun a preliminary investigation. Authorities have sounded a high alert across the capital.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with buildings shaking and windows shattering in nearby areas. Traders in Chandni Chowk reported panic among shoppers, with shops closing abruptly and traffic coming to a standstill. Sanjay Bhargava, president of the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, said the impact of the blast was felt up to 900 metres away.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily restricted entry and exit at the Red Fort station’s Gate Nos. 1 and 4, though train services continued as normal. Security has been intensified across Old Delhi as investigators examine the nature of the explosion.
