Key Points
- Explosion occurred around 6:30-7:00 PM on Monday, November 9, 2025, near Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station
- At least one person confirmed dead, with four to several others injured and admitted to LNJP Hospital
- Three to four vehicles parked nearby caught fire and sustained severe damage
- Seven fire tenders rushed to scene; blaze brought under control after brief operation
- Delhi Police Special Cell and forensic teams deployed to investigate cause of explosion
- High alert sounded across Delhi following the incident
- Historic Red Fort area in congested Old Delhi cordoned off; traffic movement restricted
- Cause of explosion remains unknown as investigation continues
New Delhi: A devastating explosion tore through a parked car near the iconic Red Fort in Delhi’s congested Chandni Chowk area on Monday evening, creating scenes of panic and destruction in one of the capital’s most historic and crowded neighborhoods. The blast occurred at approximately 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station, instantly triggering a massive fire that quickly spread to three to four nearby vehicles.
According to the Delhi Fire Department, emergency services received distress calls reporting a blast-like sound followed by intense flames near the metro station. The explosion was described by eyewitnesses and initial reports as being of “high intensity,” causing significant structural damage to multiple vehicles and triggering widespread alarm in the densely populated area.
The force of the detonation was so powerful that it not only destroyed the car in which it originated but also set several other vehicles parked in the vicinity, creating a chain reaction of fires that emergency responders struggled to contain. Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the evening sky, visible from considerable distances and adding to the chaos as crowds gathered to witness the aftermath.
Casualties and Emergency Response
At least one person has been confirmed dead in the explosion, with four to several others sustaining injuries of varying severity. Multiple casualties were rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital for emergency treatment, though the exact number of injured persons has not been officially confirmed by authorities as the situation continues to develop.
Sources told news agency ANI that several people are feared to be injured beyond those already hospitalized, raising concerns that the casualty count could rise as rescue and recovery operations continue. Some reports suggest that street vendors working in the area may have been caught in the blast, though these details await official confirmation.
The Delhi Fire Services deployed seven fire tenders to the scene immediately upon receiving the emergency call around 7:00 PM. Fire department officials stated that firefighters worked swiftly to bring the blaze under control after a brief but intense operation. “The call was about an explosion in a car near Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station, following which three to four vehicles caught fire,” a Delhi Fire Department official explained.
Given the historic nature of the Red Fort area and its proximity to densely packed residential and commercial zones, emergency services took extensive precautions to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures and businesses. The rapid response by fire department personnel helped contain the situation before it could escalate into a larger conflagration in the congested Old Delhi neighborhood.
Investigation Underway, Cause Unknown
The cause of the explosion remains unknown as of Monday night, with multiple investigative agencies working to determine what triggered the devastating blast. Teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell, the force’s elite counter-terrorism and intelligence unit, have been deployed to the site, indicating that authorities are treating the incident with utmost seriousness and exploring all possible scenarios.
Forensic experts have also reached the spot and begun collecting evidence, examining the wreckage of the destroyed vehicles, and conducting preliminary assessments to identify potential explosive materials or mechanical failures that may have caused the detonation. The involvement of specialized forensic teams suggests that investigators are conducting a comprehensive technical analysis to rule out both accidental and deliberate causes.
The Delhi Police have cordoned off the entire area around Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, restricting public access and traffic movement to facilitate the investigation and preserve the integrity of the crime scene. Security personnel have established a wide perimeter around the blast site, preventing unauthorized individuals from approaching the area and potentially contaminating evidence.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are likely examining CCTV footage from the metro station and surrounding areas, interviewing eyewitnesses, and analyzing the vehicle’s registration and ownership details to piece together the sequence of events leading to the explosion.
High Alert Across Delhi
In response to the explosion, a high alert has been sounded across the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi. Security has been heightened at all sensitive locations, public transportation hubs, government buildings, and crowded marketplaces as a precautionary measure while the nature of the blast remains undetermined.
The decision to place the capital on high alert reflects concerns among security agencies about the possibility of coordinated attacks or additional incidents, particularly given the explosion’s location in a historically and symbolically significant area near the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most important national monuments.
Metro services at the Lal Qila station may have been temporarily disrupted or subject to enhanced security checks, though official statements from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) were not immediately available in initial reports. Commuters and tourists in the area were advised to avoid the Red Fort vicinity until the situation stabilizes and normal operations resume.
Congested Location Complicates Response
The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is situated in the heart of Old Delhi, one of the most congested and densely populated areas of the capital. On typical days, the Chandni Chowk area surrounding the monument witnesses massive crowds of tourists, shoppers, street vendors, and residents, making emergency response operations particularly challenging.
The narrow lanes, heavy vehicular traffic, and constant pedestrian movement characteristic of this historic neighborhood complicated efforts by fire tenders and ambulances to reach the blast site quickly. Emergency vehicles had to navigate through tight spaces and crowded streets to access Gate No. 1 of the metro station, potentially delaying the initial response time.
The Red Fort remains one of Delhi’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors daily, both domestic and international. The monument holds immense historical significance as the main residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years and serves as the venue for the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address each August 15.
The explosion’s occurrence in such a symbolically important location has heightened concerns about security arrangements at India’s heritage sites and public monuments, particularly during the evening hours when tourist activity typically peaks.
दिल्ली के ऐतिहासिक लाल किले के निकट सोमवार शाम को एक जोरदार धमाके से हड़कंप मच गया, जिससे आसपास की दुकानों के दरवाजे-खिड़कियां टूट गईं और इलाके में दहशत फैल गई।#RedFortBlast #breakingnews #Video pic.twitter.com/ttY5JwqvT6
— Arpit shukla ✍🏽 (@JournoArpit) November 10, 2025
Political Response and Public Concern
BJP Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk constituency, Praveen Khandelwal, expressed deep concern over the incident in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident of a car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station earlier this evening. This tragic occurrence in the heart of Delhi has caused great distress among citizens,” Khandelwal stated.
The MP urged authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the explosion and implement measures to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future. His statement reflects broader public anxiety about safety and security in crowded public spaces, particularly in areas of historical and cultural significance.
Social media platforms witnessed significant activity following the blast, with eyewitness videos and photographs circulating rapidly as residents and visitors shared their accounts of the incident. The dramatic visuals of flames and smoke rising near the Red Fort sparked widespread discussion and speculation about the cause, prompting authorities to appeal for calm and patience while investigations proceed.
Ongoing Developments
As of Monday night and early Tuesday morning, the situation at the Red Fort Metro Station remained under active investigation, with security forces maintaining a strong presence in the area. The Delhi Police and Special Cell teams continued their on-site examination, working through the night to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses.
Hospital officials at LNJP and other nearby medical facilities were monitoring the condition of injured victims, with medical teams on standby to provide additional treatment as needed. Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the victims’ identities or the nature of their injuries, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to inform family members first.
The incident has raised fresh questions about vehicle security screening near sensitive installations, the adequacy of surveillance systems in crowded public areas, and emergency preparedness protocols for responding to explosions in congested urban environments. As Delhi authorities work to determine whether the blast was accidental—possibly caused by a CNG cylinder leak or mechanical failure—or the result of deliberate action, the capital remains on heightened vigilance.
Further details about the explosion’s cause, additional casualties, and security implications are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and official statements are released by the Delhi Police and other concerned agencies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing India’s capital and the critical importance of maintaining robust safety measures in areas of high public concentration.
