A major probe has begun after a car explosion in Delhi killed eight people and injured 19. The incident, which occurred on Monday night near the historic Red Fort, is being investigated by the federal Home Ministry. Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the scene, said the cause is not yet known and “all angles” are being considered.
The registered owner of the car that exploded has reportedly been detained for questioning. This is a crucial first step in determining the nature of the blast. The explosion happened at a red light outside the Red Fort metro station, a heavily congested area in Old Delhi, which is a major tourist hub.
According to Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the car had stopped at the light when it detonated. The blast was powerful, sparking a fire that destroyed over a dozen other vehicles, including cars, rickshaws, and motorcycles. The 19 injured were rushed to a government hospital.
Witnesses described a scene of “chaos.” One resident, Om Prakash Gupta, reported seeing “body parts all over” the road. Another witness described the “very strong explosion” and its shock waves, which were felt in nearby buildings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences and is reviewing the situation. In response to the blast, a high alert has been declared for major transportation hubs and the cities of Mumbai and the state of Uttar Pradesh.
