A devastating explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Sunday evening has left 13 people dead and 24 others injured, shaking the national capital just a day before the final phase of Bihar Assembly elections. The blast occurred around 6:52 PM in a Hyundai i20 car near the Red Fort Metro Station, one of the busiest areas in central Delhi. The impact was so severe that it left mangled vehicles, scattered debris, and charred bodies on the road.
13 Killed, 24 Injured In Powerful Blast Near Delhi’s Red Fort
“It was a very powerful explosion,” said senior Delhi Police officials. Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that the explosion occurred in a slow-moving vehicle that had stopped at a traffic signal. “The occupants of the car were killed instantly. Several nearby vehicles were damaged — around 22 cars in total,” he said.
High alert across multiple states as NIA, NSG probe terror angle
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) have taken over the probe, as initial reports suggest the possibility of a high-grade explosive device being used. Forensic teams have been deployed to collect samples, while bomb disposal units continue to scan the area for any secondary devices.
Following the incident, Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand were placed on high alert. Security has also been tightened in Bihar, which goes to polls on Monday, and in Kerala, where state police have been directed to enhance surveillance at key installations.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos. “We heard a loud bang, and suddenly everything went dark. There was smoke, fire, and people screaming for help,” said a shopkeeper near the blast site.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer A.K. Malik stated that seven fire units were rushed to the spot. “The fire was brought under control by 7:29 PM, but the damage was already extensive,” he said.
The blast coincided with the recovery of 2,900 kg of explosives just 50 km away in Faridabad, Haryana, earlier in the day — raising suspicions of a coordinated plan. Investigators are probing whether the two incidents are linked.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, as security has been ramped up across the national capital region (NCR).
