At least eight people have been killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion occurred near the Red Fort Metro Station in central Delhi on Monday, prompting authorities to issue a high alert across the capital and in Mumbai.
The blast reportedly took place in a car parked outside Gate No. 1 of the Lal Quila (Red Fort) metro station, located opposite the busy Chandni Chowk market area. According to witnesses, the explosion was so strong that buildings shook “as if an earthquake had struck,” with debris and damaged vehicles strewn across the road.
Emergency responders, including seven fire tenders, were dispatched to the scene, and teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell and the National Security Guard (NSG) cordoned off the area. Multiple vehicles were seen charred, and rescue operations were underway late into the evening.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as shoppers fled in panic. “All shops have been closed. The roads are jam-packed, and there’s panic among shoppers,” said Sanjay Bhargava, president of the Chandni Chowk traders’ association.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, and investigations are ongoing. Metro operations remain largely unaffected, though entry and exit points at Gates 1 and 4 of the Red Fort station have been temporarily restricted.
Security has been tightened across Delhi, with heightened vigilance at transport hubs and major landmarks.
