A powerful car explosion sent shockwaves through the heart of Delhi on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring many others, plunging the national capital into a state of high alert. The incident occurred just hours after security agencies had busted a terror cell and recovered a massive cache of nearly 3,000 kg of explosives.
Timeline and Location of the Tragic Blast
The devastating blast took place between 6:50 pm and 7:00 pm at a heavily crowded location near the historic Red Fort. The epicenter was the Subhash Marg traffic signal, close to Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station. A Hyundai i20 car was at the center of the explosion, which was so intense that it damaged at least five to six other vehicles in the vicinity, including auto-rickshaws, leaving a scene of utter destruction.
Casualties and Eyewitness Accounts
The human cost of the blast was severe. Authorities confirmed that eight people lost their lives, while at least 18 individuals were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes of chaos and carnage. One person recounted seeing body parts scattered across the area, while another spoke of a massive ball of fire erupting from the vehicle. The force of the blast was such that nearby buildings shook violently, and the sky was reportedly lit with a red glow in the aftermath.
Official Response and Investigation Status
Senior officials, including Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, immediately arrived at the scene. Commissioner Golcha confirmed that the explosion occurred in a slow-moving vehicle that had stopped at a red light. A multi-agency investigation has been launched, involving the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the blast site, met with the injured, and was briefed by investigating officers. He assured a thorough probe, stating that all angles are being examined, including the possible terror link given the earlier seizure of explosives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also briefed on the situation and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
In a significant development, the police have detained Md Salman, the initial owner of the car used in the blast. A case has been registered under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). While the nature of the blast is yet to be officially confirmed, a senior police official noted the unusual absence of pellets or puncture marks on the injured, which is atypical for a conventional bomb blast. Security remains tightened across Delhi as the nation awaits answers.
