Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A powerful car explosion ripped through a bustling area near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening, killing at least twelve people and injuring dozens more in one of the deadliest incidents to strike India’s capital in recent years.
The blast, which occurred around 6:42 p.m. local time, sent flames and debris across the crowded streets of Old Delhi, an area known for its narrow lanes, busy markets, and heritage sites. The explosion set multiple vehicles ablaze and left a scene of chaos and devastation, witnesses said.
Videos and images circulating on social media showed thick plumes of orange smoke rising into the night sky, as emergency responders rushed to rescue victims trapped in the wreckage.
A Nation in Shock
The explosion occurred near the Red Fort, or Lal Qila, a 17th-century Mughal monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a national symbol of India’s independence. The site, a magnet for both locals and tourists, was quickly cordoned off as investigators combed through the debris for evidence.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blast, though senior officials have suggested it was likely a deliberate act. Delhi Police have registered a case under several provisions of India’s anti-terrorism laws, and multiple intelligence and forensic teams are working jointly to establish the sequence of events.
“It was a slow-moving vehicle that stopped near a traffic light before the explosion occurred,” Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha told reporters. “The passengers in the vehicle and those nearby were all impacted.”
At least six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws were engulfed in flames, according to Delhi’s deputy fire chief. Firefighters arrived minutes after receiving the first distress call at 6:55 p.m. and managed to extinguish the blaze, though much of the area was left charred.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jha, a physician at Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed that more than 30 people were seriously injured. “Many of them are in critical condition,” he said.
Witnesses described a deafening noise that shattered windows and sent people running for safety. “We heard a big sound our windows shook,” one local resident told NDTV. An ambulance driver who arrived at the scene recounted grim details: “The bodies were in parts. We had to collect them carefully before taking them to the hospital.”
National Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Bhutan where he is on an official visit, condemned the “horrific incident” and vowed accountability.
“I have been in constant touch with all agencies investigating this incident,” he said. “Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. All those responsible will be brought to justice.”
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh echoed those remarks on Tuesday, promising that “those responsible for this tragedy will not be spared under any circumstances.”
Heightened Security Nationwide
The explosion has triggered a sweeping security review across India. The Central Industrial Security Force placed airports, railway stations, and government buildings on high alert, while authorities ordered the Red Fort closed to the public for three days.
Neighboring states Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have also tightened security around religious sites, tourist destinations, and crowded marketplaces. “Remain calm and report any suspicious person or unclaimed object,” Haryana’s police chief O.P. Singh urged citizens on X.
In Mumbai, the country’s financial hub, railway and metro stations were placed on alert amid fears of potential copycat attacks. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued an advisory urging American citizens to avoid the Red Fort area and large gatherings until further notice.
A City Scarred, but Resilient
For many Delhi residents, the attack rekindles painful memories of earlier acts of violence that shook the capital including the 2001 assault on India’s Parliament and the 2011 bombing outside the Delhi High Court that killed more than a dozen people.
The Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is among India’s most iconic landmarks. For centuries, it served as the residence of Mughal emperors and now holds deep symbolic importance: every Independence Day, the prime minister hoists the national flag from its ramparts.
Monday’s explosion has not only raised fresh questions about urban security but also tested the resilience of a city of over 30 million people one that has endured tragedy before and, each time, found ways to carry on.
