An explosion described by witnesses as “very strong” shook buildings near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday night, as a car detonated at a crowded intersection, killing eight people. The blast, which occurred just before 7 pm, also injured 19 others and sparked a massive fire.
The incident happened as a car was stopped at a red light outside the Red Fort metro station. The force of the detonation was significant, with news footage showing one car with its doors completely blown off. The resulting fire destroyed over a dozen other vehicles, including cars, rickshaws, and motorcycles.
Harrowing accounts have emerged from the scene. One witness gave a graphic description of seeing a “hand on the road” and a body “torn into pieces.” Another, Om Prakash Gupta, reported “body parts all over” the street. People were seen screaming in panic as emergency services arrived.
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances rushed to the site to battle the blaze and transport the 19 injured to a government hospital. The federal Home Ministry has taken charge of the investigation.
Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site, confirming the cause is not yet known and that a forensic analysis is pending. He assured that “all angles” are being investigated. The registered owner of the car has reportedly been detained for questioning. Prime Minister Modi has offered condolences, and a high alert is in effect for Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh.