A powerful explosion took place near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening around 6:52 PM, when an Eeco van suddenly caught fire following a blast. The impact of the explosion was so intense that glass windows of nearby vehicles and parts of the metro station were shattered. According to initial reports, eight people have died and twenty-four others are critically injured. All the injured have been admitted to LNJP Hospital for treatment. Fire tenders and Delhi Police teams rushed to the spot immediately and brought the situation under control. The entire Red Fort area has been cordoned off, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion.

The Delhi Police have not yet issued an official statement on whether the incident is a terror-related act or an accident, but given the nature of the blast, all possibilities are being investigated. Following the explosion, high alert has been declared across Delhi, and similar security alerts have been issued in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to tighten security at all religious places, markets, airports, and railway stations, while Mumbai Police have strengthened patrolling, set up checkpoints, and increased vigilance at sensitive public areas.

It may be recalled that Delhi Police had recently exposed a terror network linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, arresting seven individuals including two doctors, and seizing 2,900 kg of IED material, rifles, and pistols from their possession. Authorities are probing whether there is any connection between that module and the present incident. The Delhi Police have appealed to citizens to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours, and promptly report any suspicious activity or unattended vehicles to the nearest police station or the emergency helpline 100.