A major explosion from a vehicle near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort on Monday killed at least eight people and injured around 20 others, according to police, marking one of the most severe security incidents in India’s capital in over a decade.
The blast occurred shortly before 7 p.m. local time on a busy road in Old Delhi, close to a metro station. Authorities say a slow-moving vehicle halted at a red traffic signal before the explosion. The force of the blast was so powerful that it damaged multiple nearby vehicles, including auto-rickshaws, and sent people running for safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences on social media, stating that authorities were currently assisting victims and monitoring the situation.
Nationwide alert issued
In response, India placed several major locations under heightened security—including major train hubs across the country, the city of Mumbai, and the populous neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh.
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi also issued a security advisory urging American citizens to avoid crowded areas around the Red Fort and remain cautious in tourist zones.
Home Minister Amit Shah said all possibilities remain open, adding that central agencies and security forces were working rapidly to determine the cause and motive behind the explosion.
Investigators examine possible leads
Local media reported that investigators have taken into custody a former owner of the vehicle, identified as Salman, but the circumstances remain unclear and Reuters was unable to independently confirm this detail.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos. One woman said she heard a “very loud explosion” while descending metro station stairs, and another shop owner said he fell from his seat due to the intensity of the blast.
A large number of ambulances—more than 30 by some accounts—arrived quickly at the scene. Fire crews extinguished the flames and the area was sealed off for forensic examination.
Context of past attacks
While Delhi has experienced terror-linked attacks in the past—particularly in the late 20th century and early 2000s—the city has largely avoided major explosions in recent years. One of the last significant bomb attacks was in 2011 outside the Delhi High Court, which killed around a dozen people.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO heritage site built in the 17th century, holds immense national importance. It is where India’s prime minister delivers the annual Independence Day address on August 15. Due to this symbolic value, the monument and its surroundings are normally heavily guarded year-round.
Security responsibility for Delhi falls under the federal home ministry, with Delhi Police directly under its command.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the latest blast was an accident, an act of sabotage, or a planned attack—but the incident has sharply refocused attention on security vulnerabilities in the heart of India’s capital.
Source:Africa Publicity
