NEW DELHI: At least nine people were killed and several others injured after a high-intensity explosion ripped through a Hyundai i20 car near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, triggering a massive fire that engulfed multiple vehicles.
The blast occurred near Gate Number 1 of the metro station around 6.50 p.m., according to the Delhi Fire Department. The explosion, which took place during peak traffic hours, sent panic across the busy Chandni Chowk–Daryaganj stretch.
“Six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw were gutted in the fire,” a fire department official told.
Videos shared by the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association captured the scale of the devastation—charred vehicles, shattered windows, and human remains strewn across the road. Eyewitnesses described a deafening explosion followed by a wall of flames.
“I’ve never heard such a loud explosion in my life,” said Rajdhar Pandey, a local resident. “The blast threw me off my feet. I thought we were all going to die.”
Another shopkeeper said, “When we reached the spot, body parts were scattered on the road. It was horrifying.”
Eight of the victims were declared dead on arrival at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, officials said. Several others are undergoing treatment.
Owner of Exploded Car Detained
Delhi Police have detained Mohammad Salman, the registered owner of the Hyundai i20, from Gurugram, Haryana.
A senior police officer told PTI that Salman had sold the vehicle to a man in Okhla, identified as Devendra, who subsequently sold it again to another buyer in Ambala. Investigators are now tracing the chain of ownership to identify who was last in possession of the car.
“Salman is being questioned jointly by Delhi and Gurugram police,” the officer said.
Top Officials Respond, Security Tightened Nationwide
Following the blast, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site with Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha. Earlier, Shah met with senior officers at LNJP Hospital, where he also met the injured.
“I have briefed the Prime Minister and will review the situation with senior officials tomorrow morning,” Shah told reporters. “I am confident our agencies will identify the cause of the blast soon.”
Sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and is in touch with the Home Ministry.
Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have been deployed to the site to collect samples and examine evidence.
High Alert Across States
Security has been tightened across multiple states following the explosion. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Kerala, and Chandigarh have all been placed on high alert.
In Uttar Pradesh, ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash said police have been directed to enhance security at religious sites, crowded areas, and border districts. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami instructed the state DGP to ensure “complete vigilance” and strengthen security at sensitive locations.
Police in Bihar and Chandigarh have intensified checks at major transit points, while Kerala DGP Ravada Azad Chandrasekhar has ordered heightened surveillance across the state.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear. Delhi Police’s Special Cell and forensic teams are analysing CCTV footage from the vicinity, including footage from nearby roads and parking areas, to trace the sequence of events.
Officials said a detailed investigation is underway to determine whether the blast was accidental or deliberate.
“It is too early to draw conclusions,” a senior police officer said. “All angles are being examined.”
