Graphic and harrowing accounts are emerging from the scene of a car explosion in Delhi, with one witness describing a “hand on the road” and a body “torn into pieces.” The blast, which killed eight people and injured 19, occurred on Monday night near the Red Fort. Another witness, Om Prakash Gupta, reported seeing “body parts all over” and multiple vehicles on fire.
The explosion happened just before 7 pm at a crowded intersection. According to Delhi Police, a car that had stopped at a red light outside the Red Fort metro station suddenly detonated. The blast was described as “very strong” by witnesses, with shock waves felt in nearby buildings. The resulting fire was substantial, destroying more than a dozen cars, rickshaws, and motorcycles.
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances rushed to the scene to control the blaze and assist the victims. The 19 injured individuals were transported to a government hospital. News footage showed the chaotic aftermath, with people screaming in panic and a car visible with its doors completely blown off by the force of the explosion.
The investigation is being led by the federal Home Ministry. Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the site, said the cause is not yet known and will depend on a forensic analysis of samples. He assured a thorough probe, stating “all angles” are being investigated. The registered owner of the vehicle has reportedly been detained for questioning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered condolences to the families of the deceased. In response to the attack, a high alert has been activated in Mumbai, the state of Uttar Pradesh, and at large train stations across India, as the capital comes to terms with this devastating incident.