A scene of carnage unfolded in Old Delhi on Monday night when a car exploded at a red light, killing eight people and injuring 19 others. The blast took place in the immediate vicinity of the historic Red Fort, a major tourist and cultural landmark. The sheer force of the explosion started a fire that incinerated over a dozen vehicles, including cars, rickshaws, and motorcycles, and sent the crowded area into a state of panic.
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were immediately rushed to the scene to battle the blaze and provide aid to the victims. The 19 injured individuals were transported to a nearby government hospital for treatment. Television footage captured the devastating aftermath, showing vehicles with their doors blown off and mangled wreckage littering the street, while survivors screamed in panic.
Horrified witnesses provided graphic details of the blast. One local resident, Om Prakash Gupta, told reporters he ran outside after hearing the loud explosion to find “several vehicles on fire, body parts all over.” Another witness described the terrifying power of the blast, stating it sent shock waves through nearby buildings and that he saw a person’s body “torn into pieces” and a hand on the road.
The investigation into the cause is being handled at the highest level. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed the death toll and stated the blast originated from a slow-moving car that had stopped at the light. Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the scene, said all angles are being investigated and that the cause would not be known until forensic tests are complete. The car’s registered owner is reportedly being questioned by police.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the recovery of the injured. In the wake of the incident, a high alert has been declared for major transportation hubs, the financial capital of Mumbai, and the adjacent state of Uttar Pradesh, as the nation grapples with this sudden tragedy.