New Delhi: A nationwide alert has been issued by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) after the blast near the Red Fort in the national capital on Monday evening. Security has been tightened at airports, the Delhi Metro, heritage sites, government buildings and other key installations — anywhere the CISF has a presence. Police units in Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad were also instructed to step up patrols.
13 killed in car explosion near Red Fort
13 people were killed, and several others were injured in the blast. The injured were taken to LNJP Hospital, where doctors reported burn injuries and trauma from flying debris. The explosion reportedly took place inside a Hyundai i20 car parked close to the Lal Qila metro station gate number 1.
According to reports, the blast was so strong that the vehicles and shops in the vicinity suffered heavy damage. Traders in Chandni Chowk and Bhagirath Palace reported feeling strong tremors. The intensity of the explosion was so severe that parts of the vehicle were flung into the nearby Lal Mandir. The temple’s glass windows shattered, and shutters and doors of nearby shops were blown out. The blast was strong enough to twist metal shutters, blow out windows and set vehicles, including a couple of buses, on fire, according to news reports.
Investigation teams on scene
By late evening, teams from the National Investigation Agency, the National Security Guard and forensic officers had sealed off the area. They examined fragments of the vehicle, collected samples from the road and pulled footage from nearby CCTV cameras. Whether the blast was accidental or planned has not yet been confirmed, and officials have asked the public to avoid circulating theories.
Tightened security during polling in Bihar
The impact of the incident was immediately felt in Bihar, where elections are underway. The state police chief said border roads are being watched closely and extra personnel have been deployed. Voters have been urged to turn up as usual, with police saying security arrangements are “tight and visible” to prevent any disruption.
The cause of the blast remains unknown for now. Investigators are expected to brief once preliminary analysis is complete, and security forces across major cities are maintaining a watchful presence.