A powerful explosion ripped through the bustling streets of Old Delhi on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring more than twenty others. The blast, which occurred near the city’s iconic Red Fort, sent shockwaves across the capital and raised fears of a possible terror attack.
Chaos in the Heart of the Capital
Witnesses described scenes of panic as a white car suddenly exploded at a busy intersection during rush hour. The force of the blast engulfed nearby vehicles in flames, shattered windows of surrounding shops, and scattered debris across the road. Residents and commuters rushed to help the injured while smoke and fire filled the narrow lanes of the historic district.
Emergency teams arrived within minutes, battling flames and carrying victims to nearby hospitals. Several vehicles and auto-rickshaws were completely destroyed, and police quickly sealed off the area for investigation. Forensic experts began collecting samples as part of a high-level probe launched by national security agencies.
Investigators Treating Case as Possible Terror Attack
Authorities have invoked India’s anti-terror law, signaling the seriousness of the incident. Officials said the blast appeared to originate from a car that had been stationary at a traffic signal moments before the explosion. The vehicle was later identified as a small hatchback, and investigators are tracing its ownership and possible movements in the hours leading up to the attack.
Security officials have not yet confirmed whether the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device, but early assessments suggest the blast was deliberate and well-timed to cause maximum damage. Intelligence agencies are now working with city police to review surveillance footage from surrounding streets and metro stations.
Government Pledges Swift Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families and vowed that those responsible “will not be spared.” He called the explosion a cowardly act meant to spread fear and said the government would “respond with determination and justice.”
The Home Ministry ordered heightened security across all major cities and transport hubs, while Delhi Police deployed additional patrols around landmarks, markets, and government buildings. Hospitals in the capital have been placed on high alert to handle any further emergencies.
A Symbolic Target
The explosion’s proximity to the Red Fort adds to its symbolic impact. The centuries-old monument holds deep national significance, serving as the site from which India’s Prime Minister delivers the Independence Day address each year. The attack near such a landmark is being viewed as a deliberate attempt to challenge the country’s sense of security and unity.
Witness Accounts
Local shopkeepers described terrifying scenes as the explosion ripped through the evening crowd. “There was a sudden flash, and then everything went dark,” said one vendor who escaped with minor injuries. “People were screaming, cars were on fire, and I saw bodies lying on the road.”
Another witness said the blast was so powerful that “it felt like an earthquake.” Residents in nearby neighborhoods reported hearing the explosion from several kilometers away.
City on Edge
The explosion has left Delhi residents shaken, with many recalling past attacks that targeted public spaces and transport systems. Public transportation continued to operate, but security checks intensified across metro stations and airports. Schools and offices in central Delhi remained open but under tight police surveillance.
The Road Ahead
Authorities are now piecing together evidence to determine who was behind the attack and what their motive might be. Early indications point to a sophisticated operation, but officials have urged the public not to speculate until investigations are complete.
For now, Delhi remains under heavy security, its people grieving and anxious. The blast serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat of violence and the need for vigilance in one of the world’s busiest cities.
Summary:
A deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort has claimed multiple lives, injured dozens, and sparked a full-scale anti-terror investigation. As officials comb through evidence and tighten security nationwide, the city mourns and waits for answers in the wake of one of the capital’s deadliest incidents in recent years.
Leave a Reply