At least eight people were killed and more than 20 others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a car near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, authorities said.

The blast, which occurred near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, sent shockwaves across the busy Old Delhi area, a popular tourist hub. Several nearby vehicles caught fire, and videos from the scene showed mangled cars, debris, and bodies strewn across the road.

Delhi Police said a call was received about an explosion in a Swift Dzire car around 6:30 p.m. Local fire officials dispatched nearly 20 fire engines to contain the flames as crowds were evacuated from the vicinity. The injured were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP), which confirmed eight deaths.

“It was a very powerful explosion,” a police source said, adding that the site had been sealed off as forensic and bomb disposal teams examined the wreckage. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.

Eyewitnesses described a massive fireball and a deafening sound that shook nearby buildings. “The car in front of me exploded suddenly. I saw flames and smoke everywhere,” said Zeeshan, an auto driver who was injured in the blast.

Authorities in Mumbai, Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have been placed on high alert following the incident.

The explosion occurred hours after police in Faridabad, Haryana, uncovered nearly 2,900 kg of suspected explosives from properties linked to a doctor from Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Officials are investigating whether there is any connection between the two incidents.

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is one of India’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws thousands of visitors daily. (Newswire)

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