A car explosion in a crowded area of Delhi has caused widespread carnage, killing eight people and injuring 19. The blast, which occurred on Monday night near the Red Fort, ignited a fire that destroyed more than a dozen vehicles. Witnesses described a “chaotic” and “gruesome” scene.
The incident happened at a red light. A car stopped at the signal outside the Red Fort metro station suddenly exploded. The force of the blast was “very strong,” according to one witness, who felt shock waves in nearby buildings. Another witness, Om Prakash Gupta, reported seeing “body parts all over” and “several vehicles on fire.”
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the scene. The 19 injured individuals were transported to a government hospital. News footage showed a car with its doors blown off and people screaming in panic as they fled the area.
The investigation is being led by the federal Home Ministry. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and said the cause is not yet known, pending forensic analysis. He assured a thorough probe, and the car’s registered owner has reportedly been detained for questioning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences. In response to the blast, a high alert has been declared for major transportation hubs, the city of Mumbai, and the state of Uttar Pradesh.