Delhi Red Fort Blast Live Updates: Amit Shah says “all angles under investigation” after explosion near Red Fort Metro Station leaves 8 dead, several injured

Delhi Red Fort Blast Live: Amit Shah Says ‘No Possibility Ruled Out’ as 8 Killed, Several Injured in Car Explosion Near Lal Quila Metro Station

New Delhi, November 10, 2025 — A powerful explosion shook the heart of Old Delhi on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring several others near the Lal Quila (Red Fort) Metro Station, one of the capital’s most historic and densely crowded areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that a “thorough investigation” is underway and said that “no possibility is being ruled out at this stage.” The minister announced he would visit the blast site and later meet those injured in nearby hospitals. A high alert has been declared across Delhi and surrounding regions as forensic teams and counter-terror experts probe the cause of the explosion.

What Happened: A Blast in a Car Outside Red Fort Metro

According to preliminary reports from the Delhi Police Special Cell, the blast occurred at approximately 6:52 PM near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station, not far from the Red Fort’s main entrance. The vehicle involved, identified as a Hyundai i20, was reportedly stationary near a traffic signal on Subhash Marg when the explosion occurred.

The powerful blast caused flames to engulf the car and several nearby vehicles, including auto-rickshaws. Eyewitnesses described a sudden “ball of fire” followed by a loud bang that shattered windows in nearby shops and homes. Panic spread as commuters and tourists in the area rushed to safety.

By 7:30 PM, seven fire tenders and multiple ambulances reached the site. The Delhi Fire Services said the blaze was brought under control within 30 minutes. The injured were immediately transported to Lok Nayak and Aruna Asaf Ali hospitals, where several remain in critical condition.

Scene of Chaos and Fear

Eyewitnesses recounted horrifying scenes in the immediate aftermath. “We heard a huge explosion, and then I saw cars burning,” said Rafiq Khan, a shopkeeper whose store faces the main road. “It was chaos — people were screaming, some were bleeding. I saw a hand lying on the ground.”

Another witness, Rekha Gupta, a commuter waiting for the metro, said the blast shook the ground. “I thought it was an earthquake. The smoke was so thick that we couldn’t see anything for a few minutes.”

Videos circulated online show multiple vehicles engulfed in flames as police officers and locals attempt rescue operations. Authorities, however, have urged citizens not to share unverified footage, warning that misinformation could hamper the ongoing investigation.

Police and Emergency Response

Within minutes, the Delhi Police Special Cell, the Crime Branch, and forensic experts reached the site. The area was immediately cordoned off, and traffic was diverted from Subhash Marg to adjacent roads, causing massive jams in the Old Delhi area during peak evening hours.

A Delhi Police spokesperson confirmed that eight people had died and several others were receiving treatment. “The nature of the blast is yet to be confirmed. We are analyzing the debris and vehicle parts recovered from the site,” the spokesperson said.

Officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) have also been called in to assist. A senior official said, “At this point, we are not ruling out any angle — whether it was a mechanical failure, a gas cylinder blast, or an improvised explosive device (IED).”

Amit Shah’s Statement: ‘All Possibilities Under Probe’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the media late Monday, emphasizing that the government is treating the incident with utmost seriousness.

“A detailed and scientific investigation is being carried out. We are not ruling out any possibility. The safety of citizens is our top priority,” Shah said.

The Home Minister added that he has instructed officials to review CCTV footage from nearby roads, metro stations, and parking areas. “Every second of footage will be examined. No one responsible for this tragedy will be spared,” he said.

Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that security has been tightened at all major metro stations, railway hubs, and markets across Delhi, including Chandni Chowk, Kashmere Gate, and Connaught Place.

High Alert in the National Capital

The explosion triggered an immediate security alert across Delhi and neighboring regions. Police presence has been increased at sensitive locations, tourist spots, and crowded markets.

Sniffer dogs and bomb-disposal squads were deployed to sweep the area for any secondary devices. Metro services at Lal Qila station were temporarily suspended but resumed later in the night after clearance from authorities.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) issued a statement confirming that services are now safe and operational but advised commuters to expect random security checks.

Investigation: Was It an Accident or a Deliberate Attack?

While initial speculation pointed to a possible gas-leak-related fire, senior officers said the pattern of the blast suggested something more powerful. However, investigators have so far found no crater on the road — often a sign of a planted explosive device.

A forensic officer said samples from the site — including vehicle metal fragments and residues — have been collected for chemical analysis. “We will be able to determine whether an explosive compound was involved once lab results come in,” he said.

Officials are also tracing the vehicle’s ownership history, verifying registration details, and checking whether the car was stolen or hired. Sources indicated that the car’s number plate was partially destroyed in the blast.

Historical and Symbolic Importance of the Site

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds immense symbolic and national significance. It is where the Prime Minister delivers the Independence Day address each year under heavy security.

Given its prominence, any violent incident in the vicinity immediately raises concerns about terrorism or sabotage. In recent years, Delhi has faced sporadic security threats, but a major explosion near such a protected monument is unprecedented in recent memory.

Experts say the area’s dense traffic, presence of tourists, and narrow lanes make it both vulnerable and difficult to secure. “If this was a targeted attack, the choice of location was deliberate — it’s a symbolic heart of India,” said security analyst Dr. Ramesh Kaul, a retired intelligence officer.

Government and Political Reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed the Home Ministry to monitor the situation closely. “My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones. The nation stands with them in this hour of grief,” the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also called the incident “deeply disturbing.” In a statement, he said:

“I have spoken to the Police Commissioner. A full probe is underway. We will ensure the injured get the best possible treatment.”

Leaders from across the political spectrum — including the Congress, BJP, and AAP — urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading rumors.

Public Shock and Fear Return to Old Delhi

For many Delhi residents, Monday’s blast has revived memories of past terror attacks, including the 2008 Delhi serial blasts and the 2005 Diwali market attacks.

Local business owners fear the economic fallout of prolonged security measures. “Tourists are scared, locals are scared. It’s not just about today — this will affect us for weeks,” said Anwar Ali, who runs a shop near Meena Bazaar.

Markets around Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and Jama Masjid were closed early as police cleared crowds and imposed temporary barricades.

Hospitals on Alert: Race to Save the Injured

Doctors at Lok Nayak Hospital said they received eight patients with severe burn injuries and shrapnel wounds. Two were declared brought dead. “Some patients have over 70 percent burns. We are doing everything possible to stabilize them,” said Dr. Ritika Singh, chief surgeon at the hospital’s emergency wing.

The Delhi Health Department has activated emergency protocols, ensuring additional burn-unit capacity and psychological support for survivors. Blood donation drives are also being organized by local NGOs.

Security Implications and Expert Analysis

Experts warn that even if the explosion turns out to be accidental, it exposes glaring security and safety lapses. The area around Red Fort is one of the most surveilled zones in India, with multiple CCTV cameras, police pickets, and metal detectors.

Former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar said: “The blast shows that even with tight surveillance, preparedness and coordination remain key. Delhi’s emergency systems must respond faster, and intelligence must be proactive.”

The National Security Guard’s bomb-disposal squad is expected to release a preliminary report within 48 hours. Until then, speculation continues.

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The Human Cost: Stories Behind the Numbers

Among the dead is Rajesh Verma, a 35-year-old driver waiting for passengers outside the metro station. His brother, Suresh, arrived at the site late in the evening to identify him. “He had called home five minutes before the blast. We still can’t believe it,” he said, tears in his eyes.

Another victim, Shazia Begum, 26, was returning from work at a nearby boutique. Her friends described her as cheerful and hardworking. “She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said a colleague.

For many families, uncertainty lingers as they wait outside hospitals for updates. Volunteers and police officers have been providing food, water, and help with documentation.

Delhi Under Watch: Next Steps

Late Monday night, the Delhi Police Commissioner chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Intelligence Bureau, NIA, and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The following measures were announced:

• CCTV review within a 3 km radius of the Red Fort.
• Checkpoints at all major city exits.
• Enhanced patrols at metro stations and public squares.
• Public advisories encouraging citizens to remain vigilant.

Authorities said the final forensic report may take several days but confirmed that “no explosive residue has yet been ruled out.”

A City on Edge

As Delhi wakes up to yet another reminder of its vulnerability, questions loom large over preparedness, intelligence, and safety in crowded zones. While life will gradually return to normal, the psychological scars will linger longer.

The area surrounding the Red Fort — once bustling with tourists, street vendors, and school groups — now bears blackened marks of soot and twisted metal.

“We are used to noise in Old Delhi,” said shopkeeper Moinuddin Ansari, staring at his burned storefront, “but this kind of silence after the noise — it’s terrifying.”

Conclusion

For now, the cause of the Red Fort blast remains unknown — accidental, deliberate, or mechanical. What is known is that eight lives were lost, families shattered, and a city once again jolted out of its evening routine.

As investigators piece together the fragments of a destroyed car and burned street, Delhi waits for answers — and for reassurance that such horror will not strike again.