NEW DELHI (AP) — Authorities in India are currently investigating a deadly car explosion that occurred late Monday evening near the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi, resulting in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries, according to officials on Tuesday.
The blast was reportedly caused by a Hyundai i20 car that detonated while it was stopped at a traffic light. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the explosion triggered a fire that spread to several nearby vehicles, including rickshaws. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha described the scene, stating, “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.” Eyewitness accounts reveal a chaotic scene, with one resident, Om Prakash Gupta, recalling that he rushed outside with his children upon hearing the explosion, only to find multiple vehicles engulfed in flames and body parts scattered across the area.
Currently, the investigation is headed by India’s National Investigation Agency, the federal body responsible for combating terrorism, in conjunction with forensic experts. Home Minister Shah remarked that "all angles" are being explored, and that security agencies are working diligently to reach a conclusion soon. He emphasized the importance of surveillance footage from cameras in the vicinity as critical evidence in the ongoing investigation.
In response to the explosion, major train stations across India, notably in Mumbai and the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, have been placed on heightened security alert. The security force tasked with protecting key installations in the capital, which includes New Delhi's international airport and metro system, has also increased its security measures. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has advised its citizens to avoid crowds near the Red Fort and remain vigilant in tourist areas.
The Red Fort is not only a historical site but also a major tourist attraction, being a former imperial palace from the Mughal era. Located approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away from Parliament, this 17th-century monument is a significant location, as Indian prime ministers traditionally deliver their Independence Day speeches there on August 15. The area surrounding the Red Fort typically experiences heavy foot traffic, as it serves as a main route to the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi.
As investigations continue and authorities strive to identify those responsible for the tragedy, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and preventing further incidents. The blast serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by the nation, prompting increased vigilance in public spaces and critical infrastructures.
