Car Explosion Near Red Fort Kills at Least 10, Triggers Nationwide Security Alerts

A car exploded in a crowded, historic section of central Delhi on Monday evening near the Red Fort (Lal Qila), killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 30, officials said. The blast tore through a busy area of Old Delhi — known for its bazaars and street vendors — and left vehicles charred and victims strewn on the road.

What happened

Delhi Police say a "slow-moving" vehicle came to a stop near a red light at about 6:42 p.m. local time, and an explosion occurred in that vehicle, affecting its passengers and people in surrounding vehicles. Fire crews received an emergency call at 6:55 p.m. and later extinguished a blaze that reportedly involved several cars and autorickshaws.

Casualties and eyewitness accounts

Local hospitals and officials reported at least 10 dead and more than 30 badly injured. Dr. Manish Kumar Jha of Lok Nayak Hospital said many of the wounded were in critical condition. Witnesses described a loud bang that shook windows, scenes of devastation and frantic rescue efforts. An ambulance driver said responders found multiple bodies at the scene and that some victims were badly dismembered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (speaking from Bhutan): “This horrific incident has deeply saddened everyone. Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. All those responsible will be brought to justice.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X that the "findings of the investigation will soon be made public" and vowed that those responsible "will not be spared under any circumstances."

Investigation and security response

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s lead counter-terrorism agency, has taken charge of the probe. Senior officials’ comments have suggested the explosion may have been deliberate, but no group has been named and no definitive cause has been released.

As a precaution, authorities raised security across multiple states and transport hubs. The Central Industrial Security Force ordered increased vigilance at airports, railway stations, government buildings and heritage sites. The Red Fort will remain closed for three days while investigators examine the area. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi advised U.S. citizens to avoid the surrounding area and large gatherings.

Neighboring states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, placed sensitive locations on high alert and said security arrangements at religious sites, crowded places and key installations would be reviewed. Mumbai authorities also heightened security at train stations.

Historical context

The Red Fort, built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan, is a major national symbol and tourist site; Indian prime ministers deliver annual Independence Day speeches from its ramparts. While such blasts are rare in Delhi today, the city has experienced deadly attacks in past decades — for example, the 2001 attack on the Parliament and a 2011 briefcase explosion outside the Delhi High Court that killed around a dozen people.

What’s next

Investigators with the NIA and other agencies are continuing forensic and witness inquiries. Officials have said they will release further details as the probe progresses and have urged the public to stay away from the area and report any suspicious persons or objects.

This account reflects information available from officials, hospitals and eyewitnesses at the time of reporting; details may change as investigators release findings.