A high alert has been activated in Mumbai, the entire state of Uttar Pradesh, and at major train stations across India following a deadly car explosion in the nation’s capital. The blast, which killed eight people and injured 19, has prompted a significant tightening of security in major urban centers and transport hubs.
The incident occurred on Monday night near Delhi’s Red Fort. According to police, a car that had stopped at a red light outside the metro station suddenly detonated just before 7 pm. The explosion sparked a massive fire that destroyed over a dozen vehicles, including cars, rickshaws, and motorcycles, turning the crowded intersection into a scene of carnage.
Harrowing witness accounts have emerged, painting a grim picture of the immediate aftermath. One person described seeing a “hand on the road,” while another witness, Om Prakash Gupta, reported “body parts all over.” The blast was described as “very strong,” with shock waves felt in adjacent buildings and news footage showing a car with its doors completely blown off.
The 19 injured victims were rushed to a government hospital as dozens of fire engines and ambulances worked at the scene. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
The investigation is being led by the federal Home Ministry. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and confirmed that the cause is not yet known. He stated that a forensic analysis of samples is required to determine the nature of the blast, adding that “all angles” are being investigated. The owner of the vehicle involved has reportedly been detained for questioning.