A powerful explosion occurred near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuring several others. The blast took place around 6:52 PM in a Hyundai i20 car at a traffic signal near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station, causing panic in the busy Chandni Chowk area.

The Delhi Fire Department received reports of the explosion shortly after it happened, leading to the dispatch of seven fire tenders to the scene. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with vehicles on fire and people fleeing in fear. One auto driver, who was close to the explosion, recounted, "The car in front of me was about two feet away. I don’t know whether there was a bomb or something else, but it exploded."

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that the explosion occurred in a slow-moving vehicle at a red light, which also damaged nearby cars. He stated, "All agencies, including FSL and NIA, are on-site. Some people have died, and others have been injured in the incident. The situation is being monitored."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been in contact with senior police officials and is overseeing the investigation. He mentioned that teams from the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are examining the site for potential terror links. CCTV footage from the area is also being reviewed.

The injured have been taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, where officials confirmed that eight people died before reaching the facility, and several others are in serious condition. Security has been heightened across Delhi and the National Capital Region, with police instructed to conduct thorough vehicle checks.

The blast has raised alarms not only in Delhi but also in neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand, where police have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance, especially in sensitive areas.

This incident comes shortly after authorities dismantled a terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind in the region, raising concerns about security in the capital. The Red Fort, a major tourist attraction, is usually bustling with visitors, especially during festive seasons. The investigation into the cause of the blast is ongoing, with all security agencies on high alert.