New Delhi: A powerful explosion occurred near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening, killing several people and injuring others, officials said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the blast took place around 7 pm at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near Red Fort.

“This evening, around 7 pm, a blast occurred in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort in Delhi. The blast injured some pedestrians and damaged some vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that some people have lost their lives,” Shah said.

He added that teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Special Branch reached the site within 10 minutes of the incident. “The NSG and NIA teams, along with the FSL, have now begun a thorough investigation. Orders have been given to examine all nearby CCTV cameras. I have also spoken to the Delhi CP and the Special Branch in-charge. The Delhi CP and the Special Branch in-charge are present at the spot,” the Home Minister stated.

Reassuring citizens, Shah said, “We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account. All options will be investigated immediately, and we will present the results to the public.”

He further informed that he would personally visit the blast site and the hospital where the injured are being treated.

The blast caused nearby vehicles to catch fire, with visuals showing thick plumes of smoke and charred remains of cars at the site. The National Security Guard (NSG) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) have taken charge of the probe.

Police have cordoned off the area, and a nationwide high alert has been issued following the explosion.