Deadly Blast Near Delhi’s Red Fort: 8 Killed, Dozens Injured as Fire Erupts from Parked Car
New Delhi | November 10, 2025 — A quiet Monday evening in the heart of the capital turned into chaos when a powerful explosion ripped through the area near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, one of Old Delhi’s busiest junctions.
The blast, reported around 6:52 PM, set off a massive fire that engulfed several vehicles and sent commuters and shopkeepers running for cover. Authorities have confirmed at least eight deaths and over twenty injuries, with several victims still undergoing treatment in nearby hospitals.
According to preliminary findings from the Delhi Police, the explosion began inside a parked Hyundai i20, which burst into flames moments before nearby vehicles also caught fire. The resulting inferno filled the Subhash Marg stretch with thick, black smoke visible from a kilometer away.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and disbelief. “There was a loud sound like a thunderclap, and suddenly everything was covered in smoke and fire,” said a local vendor who narrowly escaped injury. “People were screaming, cars were burning — it felt unreal.”
Swift Action by Fire and Rescue Teams
Within minutes of the explosion, the Delhi Fire Service rushed seven fire tenders to the site. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control. Emergency response teams and police personnel cordoned off the entire area as ambulances ferried the injured to Lok Nayak Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College.
By nightfall, forensic teams from the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) and NSG (National Security Guard) began sifting through the debris, collecting samples to determine what caused the deadly blast.
Officials initially suspected a CNG cylinder explosion, but investigators have not ruled out other possibilities, including foul play.
Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the site late Monday evening, said that “no angle will be ignored” in the ongoing investigation.
“It’s too early to pinpoint the cause,” Shah told reporters. “Our agencies — NSG, NIA, and Delhi Police — are working together to uncover the truth. Whether it was an accident or something more sinister, we will know soon.”
Police Detain Vehicle Owner in Gurugram
Late in the night, Delhi Police tracked down and detained Md Salman, the registered owner of the car that exploded. Investigators revealed that the vehicle had changed hands multiple times, moving between Okhla and Ambala, before ending up in Delhi.
Salman reportedly told officials that he had sold the car several months ago, and was unaware of its current user. “We are verifying every detail of the ownership chain,” a senior police official said. “All previous buyers and sellers will be questioned.”
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also been briefed, and sources said the agency may formally join the probe if any terror link is detected.
Nationwide Security Tightened
The explosion prompted a high-security alert across Delhi-NCR and other major Indian cities. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has intensified checks at metro stations, airports, and major government buildings.
States including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Bihar have been asked to enhance night patrols and crowd surveillance.
In Hyderabad, police have set up additional checkpoints in high-footfall areas, while Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reviewed urban safety measures after last week’s chemical seizure in Faridabad.
India’s Leaders React with Shock and Sympathy
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum as news of the explosion spread.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic blast in Delhi this evening. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance.”
Home Minister Amit Shah said he was “deeply pained” by the incident and promised a “thorough, transparent, and time-bound investigation.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the tragedy “heartbreaking and deeply disturbing”, urging the government to ensure that such lapses never occur again.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demanded clarity on whether the blast was accidental or part of a “larger conspiracy.”
Messages of solidarity also came from President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several chief ministers, including those of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
What Authorities Know So Far
- Time of blast: Around 6:52 PM
- Location: Gate No. 1, Red Fort Metro Station, Subhash Marg
- Deaths: 8 confirmed
- Injured: Over 20
- Vehicles damaged: 7–8 cars
- Suspected cause: Possible CNG explosion (under investigation)
- Agencies involved: Delhi Police, NSG, NIA, FSL
- Current situation: Area sealed, security tightened, investigation ongoing
A City on Edge but Standing Strong
For residents of Delhi, the blast has stirred painful memories of past terror attacks and safety concerns in crowded public spaces. The Red Fort area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws thousands of visitors daily, has now been declared a no-entry zone until forensic clearance is granted.
Police have urged citizens to remain calm, avoid sharing unverified information on social media, and cooperate with authorities.
Security experts say the incident highlights gaps in vehicle monitoring and parking checks near sensitive landmarks. “Whether it’s an accident or deliberate act, the takeaway is the same — urban safety systems need urgent strengthening,” said retired DCP Rajesh Rana.
The Road Ahead
As investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events, the capital remains under tight surveillance. The coming days will be crucial in establishing whether the Red Fort explosion was the result of mechanical failure, negligence, or something far more serious.
For now, Delhi mourns — and waits for answers.
