BREAKING: Blast reported near Red Fort in New Delhi

New Delhi: An explosion has been reported near the Red Fort in New Delhi on Monday evening. According to reports, the explosion occurred in a car parked in the area that suddenly went up in flames close to Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. Witnesses said the blast was loud enough to make people on the street stop in their tracks. Within moments, two to three nearby vehicles also caught fire, adding to the chaos and confusion.

Shopkeepers in the vicinity reported that the force of the explosion rattled shutters, cracked windowpanes and filled the air with thick smoke. Many described a moment of raw fear, unsure whether the incident was an accident or something more sinister.

Delhi Police teams, along with the bomb disposal squad, arrived quickly and cordoned off the area. Officers examined the damaged vehicles and collected remains of the debris while fire crews worked to control the blaze. As of now, there have been no reports of injuries, which comes as a relief in what could have easily turned far more tragic.

Security around the Red Fort and surrounding roads has since been tightened. Patrolling has been increased, and checkpoints have been set up throughout the area.

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