The Incident
On 10 November 2025, at around 6:52 p.m., a Hyundai i20 car exploded near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in New Delhi. Commuters, tourists, and street vendors crowded the area in Old Delhi at the time.
The explosion engulfed nearby vehicles in fire and scattered debris across the busy intersection. Witnesses screamed and ran for cover as the blast’s shockwave shattered windows and damaged surrounding buildings.
Firefighters, police officers, and medical teams rushed to the scene, pulled victims from burning cars, and provided emergency aid within minutes.
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Casualties and Damage
The Delhi Police reported that eight people died instantly, and more than twenty suffered injuries, several critically. Hospitals later confirmed that the death toll rose to 13 by the next morning, according to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.
Medical teams admitted the injured to LNJP Hospital and RML Hospital, where doctors treated severe burn injuries and trauma cases. The blast destroyed many vehicles, including cars, scooters, and auto-rickshaws.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described the explosion as sudden and deafening.
“The car stopped at the traffic signal and then blew up in seconds,” said Rafiq Ahmed, a tea vendor nearby. “People ran, cried — I saw two cars burning, and someone pulled a child out of the smoke.”
Local resident Anita Sharma said,
“I waited for the bus when I heard a loud bang. I felt the heat on my face and saw fire everywhere. Someone dragged me to safety — I don’t know who, but they saved my life.”
CCTV footage and social media videos showed a flash of fire, followed by thick black smoke rising from the intersection.
The Investigation
Delhi Police cordoned off the area immediately and collected fragments of the exploded car. Investigators from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell are leading the probe.
Forensic tests revealed traces of ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil, indicating that a homemade improvised explosive device (IED) caused the blast. Officials suspect someone triggered the bomb remotely or set it on a timer.
CCTV footage showed a masked man driving the car, which had been parked near the Red Fort earlier. Police discovered the car’s number plate was fake and traced it to a vehicle stolen from Ghaziabad three days earlier.
Investigators explored links to a terror module whose members police had arrested last week with explosives and assault rifles in the NCR region.
Government Response
The government declared a high alert across Delhi and increased security at metro stations, airports, and crowded areas. Authorities closed the Red Fort complex and Lal Qila Metro Station for 72 hours to allow forensic work.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act meant to disturb peace in the national capital” and vowed that the conspirators will not be spared.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site and announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each deceased victim, ₹5 lakh for seriously injured individuals, and ₹2 lakh for minor injuries.
The Home Ministry directed the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and National Security Guard (NSG) to assist investigators and review security at heritage sites.
Public Reaction and Impact
Delhi residents grappled with memories of earlier attacks and closed markets in Old Delhi as a mark of mourning.
Locals rushed to help the injured, offered first aid, and used vehicles to take victims to hospitals before ambulances arrived. Hospitals organized blood donation camps overnight.
Tourism officials reported a temporary drop in visitors to heritage sites like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid but emphasized strengthened security protocols to ensure public safety.
Current Status of the Case
As of 11 November 2025, the NIA identified three suspects involved in procuring and planting the explosive device. Investigators seized footage from over 200 cameras and analyzed call records from nearby mobile towers.
Evidence suggests coordination with handlers outside Delhi, and police teams dispatched to Meerut, Lucknow, and Jaipur to follow leads.
A special court under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, UAPA, will handle the case once arrests occur.
Conclusion
The Red Fort blast left Delhi grieving but resolute. The tragedy highlighted the urgent need for better intelligence coordination, urban surveillance, and public awareness in crowded, high-value zones.
Investigators continue to piece together the chain of events and motives, while Delhiites demonstrated resilience, courage, and compassion. From first responders to everyday citizens, the city showed that even in the face of terror, its spirit remains unbroken.
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