A devastating explosion on the evening of 10 November 2025 near the historic Red Fort in Delhi killed at least eight people and injured many more, according to official sources. The blast occurred in a car that stopped at a red-light near the nearby metro station, and set off fires in surrounding vehicles.
What Happened?
- The explosion occurred around 6:52 pm IST on a bustling street near Gate 1 of the Red Fort Metro station in Old Delhi.
- According to the Delhi Police, a slow-moving vehicle—specifically a white Hyundai i20—stopped at a traffic signal and then exploded, causing collateral damage to several nearby cars, e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws.
- Fires engulfed at least six cars and three auto-rickshaws, according to early statements.
- Emergency services responded swiftly; the fire was reported under control by about 7:29 pm.
- Hospitals received multiple casualties; some reports mention 19–20 people injured.
Impact & Response
- Security agencies have placed Delhi and surrounding key urban centres on high alert, including metro stations and other high-density public areas.
- The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)—India’s principal anti-terror law—has reportedly been invoked, suggesting investigators are treating the case as a potential terror incident.
- Top government officials, including Amit Shah (Home Minister) and Narendra Modi (Prime Minister), have expressed condolences, said that all possibilities will be examined and investigations will be rapid.
- Local residents described scenes of horror: burning vehicles, glass shattered in nearby windows, bodies on the road, and a loud explosion heard blocks away.
Why This Location Matters
The Red Fort area is not just a historic monument, but also a highly symbolic and densely populated zone. It’s a major tourist destination and lies close to key government buildings including Parliament. The fact that a major explosion happened here raises significant concerns about public safety and security infrastructure. Given that such high-security zones are usually under continuous surveillance, the incident is especially striking.
What We Don’t Yet Know
- The exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined: whether it was accidental (e.g., vehicle malfunction) or deliberate (terror attack) is still to be confirmed.
- Who was responsible—or whether more than one person was involved—is still under investigation. Early reports say the owner of the vehicle has been detained for questioning.
- The full tally of injured remains fluid, with some reports varying between 19, 20 and 24.
Looking Ahead
Authorities will now focus on:
- Reviewing CCTV footage and forensic evidence from the blast site.
- Tracing the ownership and movement of the vehicle involved. Early reports suggest the car was registered and sold multiple times, complicating tracing efforts.
- Ensuring heightened security checks around other high-risk areas, transport hubs and crowded public spaces in Delhi and neighbouring states.
- Communicating updates to the public to reduce panic and misinformation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even in well-protected urban spaces. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we will continue to watch for further updates as investigations proceed.
Originally written by:REUTERS
Link to the article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/11/asia-pacific/car-explosion-red-fort-delhi/
