Devastating Blast Near Delhi's Red Fort Claims 9 Lives, Injures 20

Post by : Raina Nasser

New Delhi: A devastating explosion occurred near the iconic Red Fort on Tuesday evening, taking the lives of at least nine individuals and injuring approximately twenty others. The blast unfolded at around 6:40 PM, amidst a bustling crowd of evening visitors near a parked vehicle in close proximity to the historical site.

According to officials from the Delhi Police, the source of the explosion was a white sedan positioned near the fort's primary entrance. The force of the blast ignited several nearby vehicles, shattering windows of adjacent shops. Emergency responders and firefighters arrived swiftly, transporting the injured to LNJP and RML hospitals for urgent medical care.

Initial reports indicate the likely use of an improvised explosive device (IED). Senior figures from both the Delhi Police Special Cell and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have entered the investigation. Officials have discovered metal fragments and electronic parts at the scene, which are currently undergoing forensic testing.

Due to the gravity of the situation, authorities have implemented the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to explore potential terrorist connections. A significant security perimeter has been established around the Red Fort, which will remain off-limits to visitors for the next three days. Additional security measures have been expanded across other vital areas of the city, including India Gate, Parliament House, and major metro stations.

Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, who was present at the site, confirmed the intentional nature of the explosion, stating that all potential angles, including links to cross-border terrorism, are being meticulously reviewed. “This was not an accident. We are treating this as a terrorist incident,” he asserted.

Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos and fear in the aftermath of the blast. “We heard a deafening explosion, followed by flames and smoke billowing from the vehicle. People scattered in every direction,” remarked Rakesh Sharma, a vendor close to the Red Fort.

No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack. The inquiry is ongoing, and officials are urging the public to remain calm and to refrain from circulating rumors on social media.