A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort metro station on November 10, 2025, killed at least 10-13 people and injured 24 others, triggering a nationwide security alert and anti-terrorism investigation. The high-intensity blast, which occurred during peak evening traffic at 6:52 PM, completely destroyed a Hyundai i20 vehicle and set fire to multiple nearby cars, e-rickshaws, and autorickshaws in one of Delhi’s most densely populated areas.

What Happened in the Delhi Red Fort Blast

The explosion occurred when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 stopped at a red light near Gate 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on Subhash Marg. According to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the vehicle exploded seconds after stopping, with occupants inside at the time of detonation. The blast’s intensity was so powerful that it shattered windowpanes of nearby buildings and was heard from several hundred meters away.

CCTV footage revealed the car had been parked near the Sunehri Masjid adjacent to Red Fort from approximately 3:19 PM until 6:48 PM before being driven to the traffic signal where it exploded. The Delhi Fire Service dispatched seven fire tenders between 6:50 PM and 7:05 PM, bringing the resulting blaze under control by 7:29 PM.

The blast completely destroyed the primary vehicle and incinerated six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw in the immediate vicinity. The area, known for its Mughal-era architecture, bustling markets, and tourist attractions, was crowded with pedestrians and traffic during the evening rush hour.

Casualties and Damage Assessment

Death toll: Initial reports indicated 8 fatalities, which subsequently rose to between 10 and 13 people as authorities continued recovery operations. The discrepancy in numbers reflects the ongoing identification process and severity of injuries among victims.

Injured persons: At least 24 individuals sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical. Most injured victims were admitted to LNJP Hospital, with some critical cases transferred to AIIMS Trauma Center for specialized treatment.

Vehicle damage: The explosion destroyed or damaged approximately nine vehicles, including the primary car, six surrounding cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw. Mangled metal, shattered glass, and burned-out vehicle frames littered the blast site.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited hospitals to meet injured victims and inquired about their medical treatment, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences but proceeded with his scheduled visit to Bhutan, a decision criticized by political observers.

Investigation and Terror Links

Delhi Police invoked India’s stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the Explosives Act, treating the incident as a potential terrorist attack rather than an accident. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) joined forensic teams in investigating the blast’s cause and perpetrators.

Key investigative findings:

• Investigators traced the car’s ownership to Umar Mohammed, a Pulwama-based doctor allegedly linked to an “interstate and transnational terror module” connected to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind
• Two men, Devendra and Salman, were detained as previous owners of the Hyundai i20 before it was purchased by Umar
• The car was originally registered in Haryana under Salman’s name and bore a Haryana license plate
• Delhi Police’s preliminary assessment speculates the blast may have been a fidayeen (suicide) bombing attack

Connection to Faridabad explosives seizure: The blast occurred hours after Jammu and Kashmir Police, cooperating with Uttar Pradesh Police, recovered approximately 2,900 kg of explosive-making materials from residential buildings in Faridabad, a city adjacent to Delhi. The cache included 358 kg of ammonium nitrate, chemicals, reagents, inflammable materials, electronic circuits, and multiple weapons. While authorities have not officially confirmed a connection between the two incidents, the timing and alleged links to the same terror network have raised serious concerns.

Security Response Across India

Following the explosion, authorities implemented heightened security measures across multiple states and major cities. Delhi was placed on high alert, with increased police deployment and surveillance.

Security enhancements included:

• Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh placed on high alert with increased security at public places and transportation
• Major religious sites including Ram Mandir (Ayodhya), Meenakshi Amman Temple (Madurai), and Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi) received enhanced police protection
• Metropolitan cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, Srinagar, and Chennai maintained heightened security protocols
• Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, its base camp Katra, and Jammu city experienced beefed-up security measures
• Train stations and transportation infrastructure across the country increased vigilance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally monitored the situation, coordinating with Delhi Police Commissioner and Intelligence Bureau Director to ensure comprehensive investigation and security response. Shah stated that authorities would explore “all angles” and conduct a “thorough investigation” with instructions to examine all CCTV footage in the vicinity.

International Reactions

The international community expressed solidarity with India following the attack. The United States Embassy issued a security alert advising American citizens to avoid Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and surrounding areas, while the State Department confirmed it was “closely monitoring the situation”. Japan strongly condemned what it identified as “inexcusable terrorist acts” in an official statement.

The European Union Ambassador expressed “deepest condolences,” while embassies from France, Iran, Egypt, Argentina, and Sri Lanka conveyed sympathies to affected families and the Indian government. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office issued an updated travel advisory for British citizens, and Russia’s Embassy investigated whether any Russian nationals were affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people died in the Delhi Red Fort blast?

At least 10 to 13 people were killed in the November 10, 2025, car explosion near Red Fort metro station, with 24 others injured. The death toll fluctuated as authorities continued identification processes and some critically injured victims succumbed to their wounds in hospitals.

What caused the explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort?

A Hyundai i20 car exploded at a traffic signal near Gate 1 of Red Fort Metro Station at 6:52 PM. While the exact cause remains under investigation, Delhi Police are treating it as a potential terrorist attack under anti-terror laws. Initial speculation suggests it may have been a suicide bombing.

Who is responsible for the Delhi Red Fort blast?

Investigators have traced the vehicle to Umar Mohammed, a Pulwama-based doctor allegedly linked to terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. Two previous car owners, Devendra and Salman, have been detained. However, no group has claimed responsibility, and the investigation is ongoing under NIA supervision.

Is there a connection between the blast and Faridabad explosives seizure?

On the same morning as the blast, police recovered approximately 2,900 kg of explosive materials from Faridabad, including 358 kg of ammonium nitrate and weapons allegedly linked to the same terror network. While authorities have not officially confirmed a connection, the timing and alleged network links are being investigated.

What security measures were implemented after the Delhi blast?

Authorities placed Delhi, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh on high alert with increased security at religious sites, transportation hubs, and major cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Major temples received enhanced police protection, and international embassies issued travel advisories for their citizens in India.

Conclusion

The Delhi Red Fort blast represents a significant security concern for India’s capital, with ongoing investigations seeking to establish definitive links to terror networks and prevent future attacks. As forensic analysis continues and authorities pursue multiple leads, the incident underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in densely populated urban areas.

Stay informed about the latest developments by following official channels and maintaining situational awareness in public spaces. For emergency assistance, contact Delhi Police at 112 or visit [URL A with anchor] for real-time updates and [URL B with anchor] for safety guidelines.