A shocking explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort has shaken the nation, leaving many dead and several injured. The blast, which occurred in one of the most heavily guarded and historic parts of the capital, has raised serious concerns about urban security and the possibility of organized terror involvement. Here’s a detailed look at what has happened so far, what authorities are investigating, and what this means for national security.
The Incident: What Happened
On November 10, 2025, at around 6:52 p.m., a car explosion occurred near Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station, just a few meters away from the Red Fort complex. According to early reports from Delhi Police and eyewitness accounts, a Hyundai i20 car suddenly caught fire and exploded after halting at a traffic light.
The blast was so powerful that it engulfed nearby vehicles, shattered glass in nearby shops, and triggered panic among pedestrians and commuters. Several fire tenders rushed to the scene, and the area was quickly cordoned off by security forces.
Initial reports confirm at least eight deaths and over twenty injured, though authorities warn that the casualty count could rise as rescue operations continue. Victims were immediately taken to Lok Nayak and Aruna Asaf Ali Hospitals.
Immediate Response and Security Measures
Delhi Police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Special Cell were deployed to the scene within minutes. Bomb disposal squads and forensic experts combed the area for evidence, including traces of explosive materials or accelerants.
The entire Red Fort area and surrounding Old Delhi region were placed under high alert, and security was heightened at all major metro stations, airports, and government buildings. Traffic on the Ring Road was diverted to prevent congestion during rescue operations.
A temporary no-fly zone was also imposed over central Delhi as a precautionary measure while authorities verified the cause of the explosion.
What We Know About the Vehicle
The vehicle involved in the blast, a white Hyundai i20, was reportedly registered in Haryana. Preliminary records show that it had changed ownership multiple times over the past two years, raising questions about its traceability and possible misuse.
Police sources revealed that the car’s number plate did not match the chassis number, indicating potential forgery or tampering. Investigators are working to determine who was driving the vehicle at the time of the explosion and whether it carried any passengers.
Investigations Underway
While the cause of the blast is yet to be confirmed, investigators are considering two major possibilities:
A mechanical or accidental explosion — possibly caused by a fuel leak, CNG malfunction, or overheating.
A deliberate act — involving an improvised explosive device (IED) or another form of planned attack.
Forensic teams are analyzing residue samples from the car and the blast site to detect traces of explosives such as RDX, PETN, or ammonium nitrate. Early chemical analysis suggests a “high-intensity, controlled explosion,” though officials have not yet ruled out mechanical causes.
Adding to the concern, on the same day, law enforcement agencies seized over 2,900 kilograms of explosive materials from a warehouse near Faridabad, roughly 40 kilometers from Delhi. Authorities are investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion immediately after the blast. One local vendor said,
“We heard a loud boom, and within seconds, flames shot up from the car. People started running in every direction. The heat and smoke were unbearable.”
Another commuter added,
“The sound was like a gas cylinder bursting, but much louder. Cars nearby caught fire, and there was screaming everywhere.”
Such accounts have helped authorities piece together a rough timeline of events, though the full picture remains unclear.
Political and Public Reactions
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) called an emergency security meeting soon after the explosion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families and directed the Home Ministry to ensure a thorough investigation.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and demanded accountability from law enforcement agencies. He also announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims.
Several opposition leaders have questioned how such a blast could occur in a high-security zone, especially so close to a UNESCO World Heritage Site that regularly hosts Independence Day celebrations and international tourists.
Historical Context: Red Fort and Security Concerns
The Red Fort is not only a symbol of India’s independence but has also been a target of attacks in the past. The most notable was the Red Fort terrorist attack in 2000, when militants opened fire on army personnel, killing three. That attack was later linked to the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Given that history, the recent explosion has revived fears of a potential resurgence of terror activity in Delhi. Security agencies are re-examining surveillance footage from nearby cameras and checking communication intercepts for any suspicious activity.
Current Status and Investigation Focus
As of now, the NIA and Delhi Police’s Special Cell are focusing on the following key areas:
Forensic Analysis: Determining the type of explosive used and whether it was manually triggered or remote-controlled.
Ownership Trail: Tracking all previous owners of the car and any irregularities in documentation.
CCTV Footage: Reviewing video from metro stations, toll booths, and highways leading to Delhi.
Suspect Identification: Cross-referencing local witnesses with missing persons and criminal databases.
Intelligence Coordination: Collaborating with national and international intelligence units to identify possible terror links.
The Home Minister has promised a full report within a week, but officials caution that investigations may take longer given the sensitivity of the case.
Public Safety Advisory
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant. People are advised to report unattended vehicles, suspicious activity, or abandoned bags to the nearest police station. Additional security checks are being conducted in major markets, metro stations, and public events across Delhi-NCR.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has also stepped up screening measures, and drones are being used for real-time surveillance around key landmarks.
Impact on National Security
The Red Fort blast has reignited debate about urban security preparedness in India’s major cities. Despite advances in surveillance and intelligence, the incident underscores lingering vulnerabilities — particularly concerning vehicle screening, public-space monitoring, and emergency response coordination.
Experts have called for better inter-agency communication and modern equipment to detect explosives before such tragedies occur.
Final Thoughts
The Red Fort Delhi blast serves as a grim reminder that even the most secure cities remain vulnerable to sudden violence. While it’s too early to draw conclusions about the nature of the explosion, the attack has clearly rattled both citizens and authorities.
As investigators work around the clock, one thing is certain: this tragedy will force a hard look at how India safeguards its historic landmarks and urban centers. Whether an accident or a deliberate act, the incident exposes the urgent need for stronger intelligence, faster coordination, and better preparedness to prevent future attacks.
