Panic grips Delhi as explosion near Red Fort Metro Station leaves dozens injured; commuters describe scenes of fear, smoke, and debris scattering across the road.

New Delhi, November 11, Tuesday, 2025

A massive explosion rocked the vicinity of the Red Fort Metro Station late Tuesday evening, sending shockwaves through one of Delhi’s busiest transit corridors. The powerful blast, which occurred near the station’s parking area, tore through several vehicles, shattering windows, igniting flames, and leaving the air thick with smoke and panic.

According to preliminary reports, at least 27 people have been injured, several critically, as rescue teams and forensic experts comb the site for clues. Eyewitnesses described the incident as “a scene straight out of a nightmare,” with car parts strewn across the road, alarms blaring, and terrified commuters fleeing the area.

Eyewitness Accounts: “We Thought It Was the End”

“I was waiting for a cab when I heard a thunderous sound. Within seconds, everything went black — people were screaming, and I saw flames rising from cars near the gate,” said Amit Khurana, a marketing executive who had just exited the station. “For a moment, I genuinely thought we were all going to die.”

Another witness, Ritu Sharma, a college student, recounted how debris flew across the road. “Metal pieces hit a rickshaw just meters away from me. Everyone started running, pushing each other — there was complete chaos.”

Locals reported feeling tremors in nearby shops and buildings. CCTV footage reportedly shows a flash followed by a cloud of smoke within seconds, indicating a powerful blast consistent with a possible improvised explosive device (IED), though authorities have yet to confirm this.

Security on High Alert Across Capital

In the aftermath of the explosion, Delhi Police, NSG commandos, and forensic teams swiftly sealed off the area, diverting traffic and halting metro operations on the Red Fort–Kashmere Gate line temporarily. Bomb disposal squads were deployed to inspect suspicious vehicles and bags in the vicinity.

“Preliminary analysis suggests a medium-intensity explosion. We are verifying whether an explosive was planted in one of the vehicles,” said Joint CP (Crime) Dinesh Rawat during a press briefing. “All angles, including terror activity, are under investigation.”

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) suspended services at Red Fort and Lal Quila stations for several hours, urging commuters to avoid the area. Mobile networks briefly jammed as emergency teams coordinated relief efforts.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Ambulances and fire engines rushed to the scene within minutes. Witnesses said police and local volunteers helped carry the injured to nearby hospitals, including LNJP and Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital. Doctors confirmed treating several patients for burn injuries, glass cuts, and trauma-related shock.

Firefighters battled for nearly half an hour to contain flames engulfing three cars and a food cart. Charred vehicle remains and scattered metal fragments painted a grim picture by nightfall.

A senior police official stated, “No fatalities have been officially confirmed yet, but several victims are in critical condition. The nature of the blast points to deliberate sabotage rather than an accident.”

Investigators Examine Possible Links

Investigators are now probing whether the explosion is linked to any recent intelligence warnings. Sources within the Intelligence Bureau (IB) suggested there were earlier alerts about possible terror activity in Delhi around the festive period.

A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the probe, and samples from the site have been sent for forensic testing. Early indications point toward the use of ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel, a combination previously used in improvised explosive devices.

Public Reaction and Political Response

The explosion triggered widespread panic on social media, with #RedFortBlast trending across platforms. Videos showing commuters running from the smoke-filled area quickly went viral. Many users criticized the lack of visible police presence and questioned metro security measures.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the attack, calling it “an assault on the peace of Delhi.” He urged citizens to remain calm while pledging full cooperation with central agencies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly held an emergency meeting with security officials late Tuesday night to review the situation and ensure heightened vigilance across the capital.

City on Edge

By midnight, barricades were placed at all major intersections near Chandni Chowk and Daryaganj. Police conducted random checks on vehicles, while metro services resumed partially under tight security.

For residents of Old Delhi, the night was filled with anxiety and disbelief. “The Red Fort area has always been crowded, especially during evening hours. This incident has shaken everyone’s sense of safety,” said local shopkeeper Irfan Qureshi.

Authorities have appealed for calm and requested the public to report any suspicious activities or unattended objects.

As investigators work through the night, Delhi remains tense — with flashing sirens, sealed roads, and a city grappling with yet another reminder of its vulnerability to sudden terror and chaos.

Source: