Red Fort Blast in Delhi: A powerful explosion tore through a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing at least nine people and burning several nearby vehicles. The blast happened during rush hour, when the area was crowded with commuters and shoppers. Around 20 people, including two women, were injured and taken to LNJP Hospital, which is located a few kilometres away.
According to the police officials, three people were inside the car when the explosion took place. Investigators are also examining the possibility of a suicide attack. A senior police officer said that no pellets or sharp injuries were found on the victims, which is uncommon in such blasts, and that all possible angles are being looked into. Home Minister Amit Shah also confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
A video has now surfaced showing the Hyundai i20 moments before the explosion occurred.
Watch the video here:
People who witnessed the blast said the sound was so loud that their ears rang for several minutes afterward. The explosion was heard as far as ITO, nearly two kilometres away. The shockwave shattered the windows of vehicles parked nearby and broke the glass panels of the Red Fort metro station.
Car’s owner detained
Later in the evening, Delhi Police detained the car’s original owner, Mohd. Salman, for questioning. He reportedly told police that he had sold the car about a year and a half ago to a man named Devendra in Okhla. The vehicle was later sold again in Ambala, and then to a person named Tariq in Pulwama. Police are now trying to trace everyone linked to the car’s chain of ownership.
Following the incident, Delhi has been placed on high alert, with tighter security checks and increased police presence at all entry and exit points across the city.