New Delhi | November 10, 2025 — In a shocking incident that has shaken the national capital, at least eight people were killed and around 20 others injured when a car exploded near Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening. The powerful blast occurred around 7:15 PM, sending flames and thick smoke into the air, and creating panic in one of Delhi’s busiest heritage zones.
Authorities have placed the city under high alert, and multiple security agencies — including the Delhi Police Special Cell, National Security Guard (NSG), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) — have launched a coordinated investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.
The Incident: Chaos Near a Historic Landmark
According to eyewitnesses, a white car parked near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station suddenly burst into flames after a loud explosion. Within seconds, nearby vehicles were engulfed, and the sound of the blast could be heard several hundred meters away in the Chandni Chowk and Daryaganj areas.
The explosion happened at a time when the area was crowded with tourists, metro commuters, and vendors, as Red Fort and its surrounding market areas remain popular evening destinations in central Delhi.
“It was like a thunderclap. The car caught fire instantly, and within moments, other vehicles nearby were burning too. People screamed and ran in all directions,”
— said Ramesh Verma, a street vendor who witnessed the incident.
Fire tenders and ambulances rushed to the scene, and police immediately cordoned off the area.
By the time the fire was extinguished, the damage was extensive — four cars, three motorcycles, and several small stalls were completely destroyed.
Casualties and Injuries: Hospitals on Emergency Alert
Officials confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the explosion, while around 20 others sustained serious burns and injuries.
The injured were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital, LNJP Trauma Centre, and Safdarjung Hospital for emergency treatment. Hospital authorities have confirmed that at least six victims remain critical and are under observation in the intensive care unit (ICU).
The Delhi Health Department has activated an emergency response system to support hospitals with additional burn units and trauma care staff.
“Most of the injuries are from burn impact and shrapnel. We are trying to identify the victims through medical and forensic means,”
— said Dr. Aruna Sharma, Chief Medical Officer, LNJP Hospital.
Immediate Aftermath: City Under High Alert
Following the explosion, the Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora issued a city-wide high alert. Security checks were intensified at all metro stations, bus terminals, railway stations, and airports.
Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads were deployed to inspect vehicles in nearby areas such as Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place.
“We are taking no chances. All vital installations and public transport hubs are under heightened surveillance,”
— said DCP (North District) Manoj C.
Traffic diversions were put in place around Red Fort, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily closed entry and exit gates at the Red Fort Metro Station for safety inspections.
The area remains cordoned off as of late Monday night, with heavy police presence and restricted movement for the public.
Cause of the Explosion: CNG Cylinder Blast or Explosive Device?
While investigations are ongoing, two possible causes are being explored by authorities:
1. Accidental CNG Cylinder Explosion
Preliminary findings suggest that the car was CNG-fitted, and the explosion might have been triggered by a faulty or leaking gas cylinder.
According to fire officials, the intensity of the blast was consistent with a high-pressure cylinder rupture, though final confirmation will come only after forensic testing.
“The car was fitted with a CNG tank. We suspect a pressure buildup or leakage could have caused the blast,”
— said Atul Garg, Director, Delhi Fire Services.
CNG-related accidents, though rare, are not unheard of in Delhi — where over 1.3 million vehicles operate on compressed natural gas.
2. Deliberate Act: Possible Use of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
Given the strategic and sensitive location, investigators are also examining whether an explosive device was planted in the vehicle.
NSG bomb experts are analyzing debris to detect traces of RDX, ammonium nitrate, or PETN, commonly used in low-intensity IEDs.
“We cannot rule out any angle at this point. Both accidental and intentional causes are being examined,”
— said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Rajesh Deo.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is expected to submit its preliminary report within 24 hours.
Eyewitness Accounts: Panic and Heroism
The explosion led to widespread panic, with hundreds of people running for cover. Yet, amidst the chaos, several brave individuals came forward to help.
“I saw two people trapped in the car. The doors were jammed, but some men broke the glass and pulled them out,”
— said Anita Gupta, a commuter who was waiting near the metro station.
Videos circulating on social media show locals using fire extinguishers and water bottles to douse flames before the fire brigade arrived. Many users hailed them as heroes for their quick response.
However, misinformation also spread rapidly online — prompting Delhi Police to urge citizens to avoid sharing unverified rumors.
“Please refrain from spreading speculation. Official information will be provided through verified channels,”
— tweeted Delhi Police PRO Suman Nalwa.
Government and Political Reactions
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed deep grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured.
“This is an extremely tragic incident. We stand with the families of the victims. The Delhi government will provide every possible assistance,”
— Kejriwal stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sought a detailed report from the Delhi Police Commissioner and directed NIA and central agencies to assist in the probe.
“I have directed Delhi Police and central agencies to investigate all aspects of this explosion. The culprits, if any, will not be spared,”
— said Shah in an official statement.
Security Concerns Around Heritage Sites
The explosion has raised serious concerns about security lapses near protected heritage zones. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded daily by tourists, vendors, and heavy traffic.
Experts say such an incident highlights the need for stricter regulation of parking and vehicle checks in and around sensitive monuments.
“This area should ideally be a no-parking zone for private vehicles. Continuous scanning of parked cars can prevent such mishaps,”
— said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) D.S. Hooda, a security analyst.
Following the incident, authorities have begun a review of security arrangements at heritage sites, including Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar.
Public Safety Advisory Issued
The Delhi Police has issued a public safety advisory, urging citizens to:
- Avoid visiting crowded areas unless necessary.
- Report any unattended vehicles or suspicious packages immediately.
- Ensure CNG vehicles undergo regular safety inspections.
- Follow traffic advisories and cooperate with security checks.
Citizens have also been asked not to park vehicles near metro station gates, monuments, or government buildings.
CNG Vehicle Safety: Renewed Debate
If the explosion is proven to be accidental, it will once again raise questions about the safety of CNG vehicles in India.
Common causes of CNG blasts include:
- Faulty installation or unauthorized retrofitting.
- Overfilled cylinders beyond pressure limits.
- Lack of timely maintenance or replacement.
- Use of expired or uncertified CNG tanks.
Experts recommend that CNG cylinders be hydro-tested every three years and replaced immediately if any leakage is detected.
“CNG is safe when handled correctly, but negligence or poor maintenance can lead to catastrophic results,”
— said Ankit Bansal, an automotive engineer and safety specialist.
Social Media Erupts with Shock and Solidarity
As news of the explosion spread, social media platforms were flooded with messages of grief, outrage, and solidarity.
Hashtags like #DelhiBlast, #RedFortExplosion, and #PrayForDelhi began trending on X and Instagram.
Many users expressed condolences and demanded stricter safety laws for CNG vehicles.
Others urged authorities to upgrade surveillance and emergency response systems in Delhi.
“Delhi deserves better safety infrastructure. No family should suffer like this again,”
— wrote one user on X.
Ongoing Investigation: Key Agencies Involved
The multi-agency investigation includes:
- Delhi Police Crime Branch — for primary investigation and evidence collection.
- NSG Bomb Squad — for explosive residue analysis.
- Forensic Science Laboratory (Rohini) — for chemical testing.
- Intelligence Bureau (IB) — to check any terror link.
- NIA (if required) — will step in if a planned attack is suspected.
Officials said CCTV footage from metro station cameras, nearby shops, and traffic intersections is being examined to trace the sequence of events and identify any suspicious movement before the blast.
Global Reactions and Context
International media outlets like Reuters and BBC have reported on the explosion, noting its proximity to India’s key cultural landmark.
Foreign embassies in Delhi, including the U.S. and U.K. missions, have issued advisories for their citizens to avoid crowded areas in the capital until further notice.
This incident comes amid heightened security preparations ahead of Republic Day 2026 rehearsals, for which Red Fort was a central zone of activity.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Urban Safety
The tragic car explosion near Red Fort Metro Station is a grim reminder of how fragile urban safety can be in densely populated heritage zones like central Delhi.
Whether caused by negligence or malice, the blast exposes critical gaps in vehicular safety, crowd management, and surveillance systems.
Authorities are working around the clock to uncover the truth behind the incident. Meanwhile, Delhiites are urged to remain vigilant, cautious, and cooperative as security agencies tighten their grip across the city.
As investigations progress, one thing is clear — Delhi must strengthen its safety infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“We lost lives today, but we must not lose lessons,”
— said a Delhi Police official on the scene, summing up the mood of a shaken city.
