Delhi Bloodbath: Car Explosion Near Iconic Red Fort Kills at Least Eight in Horror Blast
- At least eight people have been killed in a devastating car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi, India.
- The blast, which occurred on Monday, also injured several others and damaged nearby vehicles.
- Forensic and anti-terrorism agencies are investigating the cause of the explosion, amid concerns it could be linked to terrorism.
A devastating car explosion near the iconic Red Fort in Delhi, India has left at least eight people dead and several others injured. The blast, which occurred on Monday, sent shockwaves through the crowded streets of the Indian capital, with witnesses describing the scene as “absolute chaos”.
According to New Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the explosion happened at around 6:52pm local time, when 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,” he told reporters.
AFP reporters witnessed injured people arriving at hospital after the blast, with some being treated for severe burns. The nearby Lok Nayak Hospital was cordoned off amid a heavy police deployment, as officers moved through the corridors to secure the area.
Outside, anxious relatives gathered after hearing that their loved ones had been brought in. Musarrat Ansari, whose brother was injured in the blast, told AFP that he had called her to say his leg was hurt and he couldn’t walk. “He was riding his motorbike when a burning car hit him,” she said.
The Red Fort, which was completed under Moghul rule in 1648, is one of India’s most well-known landmarks. Indian prime ministers address the nation from its ramparts on Independence Day, and it features on the largest banknote. The blast has raised concerns about the safety of tourists and locals in the area, with some speculating that it could be linked to terrorism.
If the blast is found to be a terrorist attack, it could have serious implications for India’s relations with Pakistan, with the two nations having bombed each other in recent months. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic and anti-terrorism agencies working to determine the cause of the explosion.