‘Buildings trembled, windows shattered’: What really happened during the Red Fort blast in Delhi?
Delhi: A massive explosion near Gate Number 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening left at least ten people dead and several others injured. The powerful blast, which occurred around 6:52 pm, sent shockwaves through the crowded area, causing nearby buildings to tremble and shattering windows several metres away.
Visuals from the site showed plumes of fire and thick smoke rising from burning vehicles as panic gripped the area, a popular spot for both tourists and local residents. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos and destruction, describing how the force of the explosion rocked surrounding buildings.
“I was at the gurdwara when I heard a strong sound. We couldn’t make out what it was, it was that loud,” said one eyewitness. “A number of vehicles nearby were completely damaged.” Another resident told PTI, “I had come here to buy something when I heard a huge blast. The whole shop trembled. Several people were injured, and many were being taken away from the spot soon after.”
According to officials from the Delhi Fire Service, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing several vehicles in flames. “The intensity was quite high. Injuries are feared,” said a senior fire official. Seven fire tenders were rushed to the site as police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said, “Today at around 6.52 pm, a slow-moving vehicle stopped at the red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged. All agencies, FSL, NIA, are here... Some people have died, and some have been injured in the incident.”
Authorities have placed Delhi on high alert following the explosion. Forensic teams and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are currently assessing the scene to determine the cause and nature of the blast.
The incident comes just hours after Haryana Police, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir authorities, arrested a Kashmiri doctor, Dr Muzammil, in Faridabad’s Dhauj area. Explosive materials, including 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, arms, and detonators, were reportedly recovered from his rented accommodation. The suspect, a teacher at Al Falah University, was said to be wanted in a case linked to the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any link between the Faridabad arms seizure and the Red Fort explosion, but both incidents have heightened security concerns in the National Capital Region.
The explosion occurred in one of Delhi’s most crowded areas, home to historic landmarks such as the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. Officials have yet to determine whether the explosion was accidental or deliberate.
Meanwhile, the discovery of a large cache of explosives in nearby Faridabad earlier in the day has deepened concerns over possible coordinated activity. Authorities are investigating any potential connection between the two incidents.