Eight killed after car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort

A tragic incident unfolded near the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi when a car explosion claimed the lives of eight people and left at least 19 others injured. The blast occurred close to one of the gates of the Red Fort metro station, a location that typically sees heavy foot traffic. Emergency services responded swiftly, with several fire trucks arriving at the scene to extinguish the flames and assist the injured. The cause of the explosion remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation. An eyewitness, Om Prakash Gupta, who lives near the site, recounted the horrifying moment when he heard a loud explosion from his home. He rushed outside with his children and witnessed the aftermath — vehicles engulfed in flames and bodies scattered around. Gupta described seeing one body lying on a car windscreen, a chilling image that captures the scale of devastation. Meanwhile, the police confirmed the death toll and the number of injured but remained tight-lipped about what might have triggered the blast. The owner of the vehicle involved, reportedly a Hyundai i20, has been arrested, according to broadcaster NDTV. Officials are exploring all possible angles, including whether this was an accident or a deliberate act. Sanjay Tyagi, a spokesman for New Delhi’s police, emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing, and nothing has been ruled out. Home Minister Amit Shah stated that CCTV footage from nearby cameras will be critical in piecing together the events leading up to the explosion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on social media, offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for those injured. The Red Fort, a 17th-century architectural marvel and a symbol of India’s independence, is not just a tourist hotspot but also a site of national significance where the prime minister delivers the annual Independence Day speech. The proximity of such an incident to this historic and politically symbolic location has added to the gravity of the situation. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's primary federal agency for terror-related crimes, along with other security and intelligence bodies, has taken over the probe. The involvement of the NIA suggests that officials are also examining the possibility of terrorism or sabotage. As investigators delve deeper, the public and authorities alike remain on edge, waiting for answers to what caused this sudden and deadly explosion in the heart of the nation’s capital.