Explosion in car near Red Fort Metro Station leaves 9 dead, over 20 injured

WHITE HYUNDAI 120 EXPLODED AT TRAFFIC SIGNAL; FORENSIC SUSPECT CHEMICAL-BASED EXPLOSION

- NARESH BISWANI, PRAJYOT DEOGHARE

Flames rise after a blast occurred in a parked car near Red Fort, leaving multiple vehicles in flames, in New Delhi, on Monday

(PTI)

A powerful explosion tore through a moving Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 20 in one of the most serious incidents to hit the Capital in recent years. The blast, which occurred around 6:52 pm, triggered panic across the Red Fort-Chandni Chowk area and sent shockwaves through Old Delhi's crowded lanes.

Officials said the explosion gutted several vehicles, shattered glass façades up to a kilometre away, and left mangled bodies on the road. Two women were among the injured, all of whom were taken to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital nearby. The car, a white Hyundai i20 with Haryana registration HR26 CE7674, had three occupants when it exploded. While the cause is under investigation, police suspect the vehicle was transporting explosive material. A senior officer noted that no pellets or puncture wounds were found on the injured—unusual for a bomb blast—indicating the use of a non-conventional mechanism.

Eyewitnesses described chaos and flames consuming nearby vehicles. One man said he was at a gurdwara when he heard a deafening sound and felt the ground shake; another, an auto driver, saw a fireball rise into the air.

The blast hurled car parts nearly 100 metres and shattered the windows of the Red Fort metro station. According to Delhi Fire Services, six cars, two e-rickshaws and an autorickshaw were destroyed.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer A K Malik said seven units responded immediately and the fire was contained by 7:29 pm.