At 6:52 pm, a routine stop at a red light in front of the Red Fort turned into a scene of devastation, leaving a nation seeking answers. (Image: ANI)
"I’ve never heard such a loud blast in my life… It felt like we were all about to die," said a local shopkeeper, describing the horror of Tuesday evening near one of India’s best-known landmarks. At 6:52 pm, what began as an ordinary stop at a red light outside the Red Fort turned into chaos, leaving the country in shock and searching for answers.
The event happened in the densely populated area outside the Lal Qila metro station during rush hour. A car, which had been moving slowly, came to a halt at the traffic signal. At precisely 6:52 pm, as confirmed by Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the vehicle exploded. The high-intensity blast resulted in multiple cars catching fire, shattered windowpanes in nearby buildings, and caused widespread panic. Witnesses reported seeing body parts scattered across the road during the horrific immediate aftermath. The death toll rose rapidly, with eight fatalities confirmed by 8 pm.
The blast spot on Subhash Marg is a central tourist hub, within walking distance of Chandni Chowk and surrounded by several places of worship. While the main facade of the Mughal-era Red Fort is several meters away, its lawns lie directly across the road. This location is not just a tourist magnet but also a potent national symbol, the site from which the Prime Minister addresses the nation every Independence Day. The choice of this location immediately amplified the shock and fear across the country.
A multi-agency response was swift. Along with the Delhi Police, officers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) reached the spot within the hour. Forensic teams began gathering evidence while a high alert was sounded across the national capital. The fear was compounded by the recent bust of a massive terror module in neighboring Faridabad just hours earlier. However, investigators were cautious, explicitly stating that no terror connection had been established as of 10 pm.
The reason for the explosion remains the central mystery. A senior officer provided a critical insight, noting, "There is no crater at the spot, so we cannot say if it is a bomb blast. Also, no pellet or splinter injuries have been reported so far, which are common in bomb explosions." This has led investigators to probe all angles, including the possibility of a mechanical failure like the car's CNG or fuel tank exploding. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the vehicle was a Hyundai i20 hatchback and stated that all possibilities are being investigated.
Also Read: Red Fort Blast Linked to Faridabad Arms Haul? Investigators Probe Major Security Threat
The blast sent ripples of fear across India, with major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata and entire states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra put on high alert. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted condolences on X and reviewed the situation with Home Minister Shah. Leaders across the political spectrum, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, expressed their grief. The visuals from the spot, however, revealed the real extent of the tragedy, with injured auto driver Zeeshan remembering how a car barely two feet from him burst into flames and exploded.
This is a developing story. Updates may follow.
