INDIAN authorities are investigating a deadly car explosion near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi that killed at least eight people and injured 20, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising that those responsible will be held accountable.
Reuters reported him saying today while speaking during his visit to Bhutan.
Modi said the perpetrators would face justice, while Home Minister Amit Shah described the blast as originating from a Hyundai i20 stopped at a traffic signal just before 7 p.m. on Monday. The explosion triggered fires that engulfed nearby cars and rickshaws.
“A slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged,” Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said.
Witnesses reported mangled bodies, twisted metal, and flames consuming vehicles near the scene.
Om Prakash Gupta, a nearby resident, told The Associated Press: “I rushed out with my children and saw several vehicles on fire, body parts all over.” The injured were being treated at a local government hospital.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with India’s National Investigation Agency leading the probe alongside forensic experts. Shah said all angles were being explored, noting that surveillance footage would play a crucial role. “We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation,” he said.
Security alerts have been issued at major train stations and key installations across the country, including New Delhi’s international airport and metro system. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi advised citizens to avoid crowds near the Red Fort and remain vigilant.
The Red Fort, a sprawling Mughal-era complex and major tourist attraction in Old Delhi, is located about six kilometres from Parliament and is the site of India’s annual Independence Day speech. The surrounding area is typically crowded and serves as a main route to the city’s bustling bazaars. - November 11, 2025
