A devastating explosion occurred on Monday evening near the historical monument Red Fort also known as the Lal Qila in Old Delhi, leaving at least ten people dead and dozens injured. According to initial reports, the blast took place at around 7 pm local time, when a car parked near gate no. 1 of the Red  Fort Metro Station in a congested stretch of Old Delhi exploded.

Several nearby vehicles were caught in the fire, including other cars and auto rickshaws. Fire services dispatched seven fire tenders, and emergency personnel immediately cordonned off the area from public access. At least ten fatalities have been confirmed, with more than twenty people reported injured and under treatment at local hospitals. Witnesses described the scene as they heard the loud explosive sound, and billowing smoke filled the air. Many other parked vehicles got damaged and their glasses shattered due to the impact of the blast.

Investigation & Security Response

Authorities from the Delhi Police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other agencies are involved in the investigation. Delhi’s top police officials have stated that all possibilities—accidental, terror related or technical fault—are being kept open. In the immediate aftermath, security has been tightened across the National  Capital  Region (NCR) and neighbouring states.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reacted to the incident and has instructed prompt and thorough investigation of the incident is being treated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while on visit to Bhutan has extended his condolences and has vowed to bring full justice to those behind the act.

What’s Next

Investigators are examining CCTV footage and vehicle ownership records to determine how the car came to be at the location and what triggered the explosion. A full technical and forensic analysis is underway. Meanwhile, commuters and residents in the Old  Delhi area are asked to stay vigilant and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.

Why It Matters

The blast site is a highly sensitive and crowded are just outside the Red  Fort landmark and adjacent to the Metro gate 1. Given the location’s historical importance and frequent public foot traffic, the explosion has raised major security concerns.

The blast highlights the vulnerability of high density public areas in major cities and the potential for high casualties and disruption when an explosion occurs. The closeness to a landmark like the Red  Fort increases the symbolic impact, amplifying national and international attention. For media and public safety, this event may prompt renewed discussion on urban emergency preparedness, surveillance and transport node security.