A high-intensity explosion tore through a car near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Quila (Red Fort) Metro Station in Old Delhi on the evening of November 10, 2025, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens, officials said. Emergency services rushed to the scene, extinguished multiple vehicle fires and cordoned off a wide area as investigators and specialised teams began a forensics-led probe.
The blast occurred in a Hyundai i20 that was either stopped at a traffic signal or moving slowly near the Red Fort traffic signal, according to Satish Golcha, Commissioner of the Delhi Police. He confirmed the explosion happened “around 6.52 pm in a slow-moving vehicle near Red Fort; there were passengers inside the vehicle.” He added that other vehicles were damaged in the incident and that a full investigation involving all agencies, including the forensic team, the National Investigation Agency and the National Security Guard, was underway. Eyewitnesses described a “huge bang” that shattered windows and sent panicked crowds fleeing. Nearby cars, auto-rickshaws and streetfronts were damaged by fire and flying debris. Officials have not yet confirmed a motive or the device type; national and city investigative agencies were on site as the probe proceeded.
Union and city authorities moved rapidly: the Home Minister and senior central and state security officials were briefed, and specialised teams including forensic units, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell were reported to be working at the scene. The area immediately around Lal Quila and adjoining Chandni Chowk was placed under an expanded cordon while investigators combed for evidence.
Firefighters brought multiple blazes under control after the explosion engulfed several vehicles. Hospitals in central Delhi, including the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, received the injured; authorities activated mass-casualty protocols and advised people to avoid the blast zone to allow ambulances and investigators to operate. Shop-crowds in Old Delhi remained largely dispersed under the security cordon.
In his response, D K Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, expressed on X, “Deeply shocked and disturbed by the tragic blast near Red Fort, Delhi. The loss of innocent lives is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Jharkhand Opposition Leader Babulal Marandi also expressed grief over the deaths, calling for unity and support for the victims.
Investigators said they were actively collecting debris, analysing data from CCTV and questioning bystanders. The proximity to a major tourist and transport node raised concerns about possible motives and further risks. Agencies confirmed they were coordinating at both city and national levels to rule out any larger conspiracy.
The Delhi Traffic Police, along with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, closed several gates at Lal Quila and neighbouring Chandni Chowk metro stations and diverted surface traffic away from Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk and the immediate Red Fort precinct; commuters were urged to avoid Old Delhi until further notice and to follow official traffic-police channels for real-time updates.
Government sources said that state governments and neighbouring jurisdictions were put on heightened alert following the blast: in Punjab, a “Red Alert” was sounded across all districts; in Maharashtra a precautionary alert was issued for Mumbai with security beefed up at railway stations and other vital installations; in Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister ordered the police to remain on high alert and directed district chiefs to personally supervise security at sensitive crowded areas.
Across the National Capital Region, the Delhi Police said it had intensified patrolling and CCTV monitoring at crowded locations, especially metro stations, bus terminals, markets and tourist sites. Additional quick-reaction teams, anti-terror squads, bomb-disposal units and dog squads were deployed.
Notable areas under surveillance and cautionary patrols include:
Old Delhi’s major market areas – Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid precincts.
Metro stations, especially Lal Quila, Chandni Chowk and other high-footfall stations.
Major border points connecting Delhi with neighbouring states, such as Singhu, Tikri, and Badarpur.
Railway stations, bus stands, malls and transportation hubs in Delhi and in neighbouring states.
Practical advisory for commuters and residents:
Avoid Netaji Subhash Marg and the Lal Quila/Chandni Chowk area; follow diversion signs and traffic-police directions.
Expect metro gate closures near Lal Quila/Chandni Chowk; check official metro social channels before travel.
Stay away from the cordoned area to allow emergency services to operate; follow instructions from police and emergency responders on site.
Investigators from the Delhi Police, forensic teams and central agencies are continuing on-site work into the night, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Officials have said they will provide updates as the probe progresses; meanwhile security forces will maintain heightened vigilance across Delhi and in selected neighbouring states while the inquiry seeks to establish cause, responsibility and whether further threats exist.
Government sources said that several states and neighbouring regions were placed on high alert following the blast:
Uttar Pradesh:
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered police to remain on high alert. District police chiefs were directed to personally supervise security at crowded areas such as metro and bus stations, temples, and malls. Quick Response Teams, Anti-Terrorist Squads, and bomb-disposal units are on standby. Random vehicle checks and intensified foot patrols are ongoing in Lucknow, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, and Ayodhya.
Uttarakhand:
The state police have been placed on alert, especially in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Checkpoints at major intersections and transport hubs have been reinforced, and surveillance has been tightened at crowded religious and tourist sites.
Odisha:
Odisha Police issued a statewide high alert, with special security arrangements at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, coastal bus and rail stations, and the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. Patrolling has been intensified at beaches, markets, and other public areas.
Kerala:
The Kerala Police have issued precautionary instructions to all district superintendents to heighten vigilance at airports, railway stations, and IT parks. Patrols and random baggage checks have been increased at Kochi Metro stations and bus terminals.
Kolkata and West Bengal:
A high alert has been sounded across Kolkata. Police headquarters at Lalbazar directed all stations to maintain strict surveillance, particularly near metro stations, Eden Gardens, hotels hosting international players, and major railway hubs. Naka checks have been intensified at entry and exit routes to the city, and coordination with West Bengal Police has been established to ensure statewide vigilance.
Punjab:
A red alert has been declared across all districts. Senior officers have been instructed to deploy additional forces at sensitive installations and conduct strict vehicle checks.
Maharashtra:
A precautionary alert has been issued for Mumbai and other cities. Security has been stepped up at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dadar, Thane, and Kalyan railway stations. Dog squads and bomb-disposal teams are inspecting public places, while the Government Railway Police has advised passengers to report suspicious objects immediately.
Forensic and intelligence teams are continuing overnight work, analysing evidence from the blast site. Authorities have assured that all findings will be shared once verified. Residents have been urged to stay vigilant, follow traffic advisories, and avoid spreading unverified information as the investigation continues.
(With inputs from PTI and other sources)
What caused the blast near Red Fort in Delhi?
The explosion occurred in a car near the Red Fort Metro Station. Forensic teams and the NIA are investigating the cause, including the possibility of an explosive device.
How many people were killed or injured in the Red Fort blast?
At least eight people were killed and 24 injured in the high-intensity explosion that took place near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station.
Which areas in Delhi are closed after the Red Fort blast?
Lal Quila Metro Station Gates 1 and 4 are sealed. Roads near Red Fort, Netaji Subhash Marg, and Chandni Chowk have been closed, with heavy police presence across Old Delhi.
Has a red alert been issued after the Delhi blast?
Yes. Delhi and several neighbouring states including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Maharashtra are on high alert with tightened security.
Are Delhi Metro and public transport services affected?
Yes, some metro gates near Red Fort and Chandni Chowk are closed temporarily. Traffic diversions and increased security checks are causing delays across central Delhi.