The national capital was thrown into chaos on Monday evening after a massive explosion ripped through a car parked near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, leaving at least eight people dead and over two dozen injured. The explosion, which occurred around 6:45 p.m., triggered a large fire that engulfed nearby vehicles and sent shockwaves through the heavily crowded Chandni Chowk area.

According to eyewitnesses, the blast was so powerful that it shattered glass windows in surrounding buildings and caused a wave of panic as residents and tourists fled the scene. “There was a loud bang, followed by thick smoke and people running everywhere. Cars were burning,” said Ramesh Sharma, a shop owner near the fort.

Emergency response teams reached the site within minutes. Firefighters battled flames from several vehicles while police and paramedics rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Officials at Lok Nayak Hospital confirmed that 15 people were admitted, with eight declared dead before arrival and several others in critical condition. “Three are severely injured, and one remains stable,” said the hospital’s Medical Superintendent.

The Delhi Police Special Cell and forensic experts have begun a detailed investigation to determine whether an improvised explosive device (IED) was used. CRPF DIG Kishor Prasad told reporters that the situation was being assessed on-site and that security agencies were working jointly to trace the origin of the blast.

In the wake of the explosion, Delhi has been placed on high alert, with increased security checks at metro stations, markets, and major installations. The Union Home Ministry has also directed Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and Kolkata to heighten vigilance, fearing possible coordinated threats.