Eight killed in car explosion near Red Fort in India's Delhi

A tragic explosion rocked the streets near the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, claiming the lives of at least eight people and injuring twenty others, according to police reports. The blast occurred in a car that was stationary at a red light in one of the capital's busiest areas, a rare and disturbing event in a city known for its heavy security presence. The explosion was so intense that it set fire to multiple nearby vehicles including six cars and three auto-rickshaws, leaving mangled wreckage scattered across the congested street near a metro station in Delhi’s old quarters. Authorities responded swiftly, with police and forensic teams arriving at the scene to secure the area and begin their investigation. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene with a loud explosion that sent people running in panic. One woman, Suman Mishra, recalled hearing the blast as she descended metro stairs, turning back to see flames and people scrambling for safety. Another witness, Wali Ur Rehman, who was sitting in his shop nearby, said the force of the explosion knocked him down, highlighting the blast’s severity. Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed the blast happened just before 7 p.m. local time and that the investigation was focusing on "all angles." The previous owner of the vehicle, identified only as Salman, was reportedly arrested shortly after the incident, though details remain sparse and unverified by independent sources. Meanwhile, the Indian government heightened security across major train stations nationwide, including in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, states bordering Delhi, to prevent any further attacks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the victims and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. He assured the public that affected families were receiving assistance from authorities. Emergency services were quick to react, with around 30 to 40 ambulances rushing to the site, and fire crews managing to control the blaze soon after the explosion. The U.S. Embassy in Delhi issued a security advisory urging its citizens to avoid crowded areas around the Red Fort and remain vigilant at tourist spots. The Red Fort itself, or Lal Qila, is a 17th-century Mughal-era monument famed for its blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles, regularly visited by tourists year-round. The attack near such a symbolic landmark has raised serious concerns over security protocols in the capital city. As investigations continue, authorities are combing through evidence to determine the cause and possible motives behind the blast. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted a reevaluation of urban security measures, especially in areas with high civilian traffic and historic significance.