An explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has left several people dead and others injured, according to early reports from local authorities and media outlets.
The blast occurred on Sunday evening near the Lal Quila Metro Station, a busy junction on Netaji Subhash Marg, close to the bustling Chandni Chowk trading hub.
Initial reports from Reuters cite police sources confirming at least eight deaths and more than 11 injuries, though officials say the exact casualty count is still being verified with nearby hospitals.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the incident happened around 6:52 p.m. local time (13:52 GMT) when a slow-moving vehicle exploded at a red light, setting several nearby vehicles ablaze.
“Some people have died, and some have been injured. The situation is being closely monitored,” Commissioner Golcha told reporters.
The explosion reportedly involved a car, which caught fire along with at least six other vehicles and three auto-rickshaws, according to Delhi’s deputy fire chief. Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene to contain the blaze and rescue victims.
Two verified videos from BBC Verify show a massive fire engulfing vehicles near the Red Fort Metro Station, with flames visible near a police post.
Authorities have placed Delhi and Mumbai on high alert, with security forces deployed across major public locations as investigations continue.
Police say they are “exploring all possibilities” regarding the cause of the explosion, including both accidental and deliberate scenarios.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 17th century, is one of India’s most visited landmarks and a symbol of national pride. It is from this site that India’s Prime Ministers deliver their annual Independence Day addresses.
The blast has stunned the capital, given the monument’s proximity to government institutions and its significance as a cultural and historical site.