8 Killed In Blast Near Red Fort, Car With Passengers Exploded At Red Light

Eight people were killed and 24 injured after a high-intensity explosion ripped through a car this evening near Delhi's historic Red Fort, one of India's most high-profile spots. The blast took place in a Hyundai I20 car at 6.52 near the Red Fort Metro Station, leaving mangled bodies and wrecked cars scattered in the busy area. "It was a very powerful explosion," said sources in the Delhi Police. 

"The blast took place in a slow-moving vehicle near the Red Fort traffic signal. There were occupants in the car. The blast damaged cars nearby," Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha told reporters. The explosion damaged 22 cars.

Mumbai, Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are on high alert after the blast.

Disturbing visuals showed bodies on the ground, severed body parts, and mangled cars. 

"We responded immediately, and seven units were sent to the spot. At 7:29 PM, the fire was brought under control," said Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik.

Moments after the blast, an unprecedented number of police and security personnel filled the area, which sees heavy tourist traffic all year.

The blast took place on a day a massive haul of 2,900 kg of explosives was found just 50 km from the capital, in neighbouring Faridabad in Haryana. It also came a day before the second round of polling in Bihar.

The 17th-century Mughal-built Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is located in the congested old quarters of Delhi and is a popular tourist destination.

Home Minister Briefs PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the blast. The Delhi Police Commissioner and chiefs of the NIA and Intelligence Bureau (IB) are regularly updating the Home Minister about the situation, sources in the government said.

Visuals showed a van with its doors blown off, a completely mangled car, another with a smashed windscreen and crumpled bodies on the ground. Twenty-two cars were damaged in the blast.

"A call was received regarding an explosion in a car near Gate number 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station," the Delhi Fire Department said (Updates here).

"We got information that there was a blast in a car. We responded immediately, and seven units were sent to the spot. At 7:29 PM, the fire was brought under control," said Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik.

Around 20 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, and the police have cordoned off the entire area, which sees heavy tourist traffic all year.

The nature of the blast is not known yet.

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is located in the congested Old Delhi area of the national capital. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi.

The blast also occurred a day before the second round of polling in Bihar.

"Huge Fireball"

As per eyewitnesses, the blast occurred in a small car. 

Zeeshan, an auto driver who got injured due to the blast, said, "The car in front of me was about two feet away. I don't know whether there was a bomb in it or something else, but it exploded."

"I saw a huge fireball from the terrace of my house. There was a huge sound. The blast shook the windows of the buildings," said a witness.

“I was at the gurdwara when I heard a strong sound. We couldn't make out what it was; it was that loud,” said another.