Deadly Car Explosion Rocks Central Delhi, Nine Killed Near Red Fort

A high-intensity explosion ripped through a slow-moving car outside the historic Red Fort in central Delhi on Monday, November 10, 2025, claiming the lives of at least nine individuals and injuring over 20 others. The devastating incident has plunged the capital into a state of shock and prompted a nationwide security alert, according to initial reports.

The blast occurred near the Red Fort Metro Station, a bustling area typically teeming with commuters and visitors, just before 7 PM local time. Eyewitnesses described a massive ball of fire and widespread panic as multiple vehicles were engulfed and destroyed in the powerful explosion, as reported by The Guardian.

Emergency services, including fire tenders and ambulances, swiftly responded to the scene, with the Delhi Fire Department receiving a call around 6:55 PM. Elite teams from the National Security Guard (NSG) and forensic experts also rushed to cordon off the area and begin their critical examination, according to ndtv.

In the immediate aftermath, Delhi Police registered a case under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act. The federal counter-terrorism agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), is expected to formally take over the probe, as officials familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times.

Investigators are actively exploring potential terror links, including a possible connection to a major terror module recently busted in Faridabad and the seizure of 2,900 kilograms of explosives. The Delhi Police's anti-terror unit, the Special Cell, is also conducting parallel investigations, according to reports from The Indian Express.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that multiple agencies are investigating the incident from "all possible angles" and that no angle is being considered closed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, assuring that those affected are being assisted by authorities, Hindustan Times reported.

Following the blast, a high alert was declared not only for the national capital but also for several other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a security alert for its citizens, advising them to avoid the areas surrounding the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, as noted by NDTV.

• Historical Context of Terror Incidents in Delhi: The recent explosion near the Red Fort tragically revives memories of Delhi's long history of terror attacks. The city has been a frequent target, with significant incidents including the 2005 Diwali blasts in Paharganj and Sarojini Nagar, the 2008 serial blasts in Connaught Place, and the 2011 briefcase bomb outside the Delhi High Court, as detailed by The Indian Express. The Red Fort itself was targeted in 2000, underscoring its symbolic significance.

• Multi-Agency Investigation and Legal Framework: The probe into the Red Fort explosion involves a coordinated effort by multiple agencies, including the Delhi Police's Special Cell, the National Security Guard (NSG), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA, established after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is India's primary counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, empowered to investigate offenses affecting national sovereignty and integrity without state permission, as explained by BYJU'S. The case has been registered under stringent anti-terror laws.

• Nature of the Explosion and Forensic Analysis: Initial findings suggest the high-intensity blast originated from a slow-moving car, identified by some reports as a Maruti Echo van. Police and forensic teams are meticulously examining the site and damaged vehicles to determine the precise nature of the explosive device. Investigators are probing the potential use of materials like ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, indicating a sophisticated and deliberate act, according to Delhi News.

• Nationwide Security Reinforcement: In response to the attack, security measures have been significantly ramped up across the National Capital Region and several major Indian cities. States like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra have been placed on high alert, with directives for increased vigilance at crowded public places, religious sites, and transport hubs. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has heightened checks at airports, metro stations, and government buildings, Business Viewpoint Magazine reported.

• Impact on Public Life and Tourism: The incident has caused immediate disruptions, with businesses near the Red Fort reporting operational halts and local trade associations anticipating a short-term slowdown. Tourism operators have expressed concerns about the potential impact on visitor numbers to Delhi, a city renowned for its historical significance. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas, as highlighted by Smartraveller.

• Ongoing Probe into Terror Links and Arrests: A significant aspect of the investigation involves probing potential links between the Red Fort blast and recent arrests of individuals, including doctors, allegedly connected to an "interstate and transnational terror module." The seizure of a large quantity of explosives on the same day has further intensified the focus on a possible coordinated terror plot, as reported by Delhi News.

• International and Diplomatic Reactions: The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi promptly issued a security alert for its citizens, advising caution and monitoring local media for updates. This reflects the international community's concern following such incidents in major global capitals. Travel advisories for India often caution about the threat of terrorism, emphasizing vigilance in public spaces, according to travel.gc.ca.