Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday night said that the government is keeping all angles of investigation open, including the possibility of a terror attack, following the massive explosion near Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi that has claimed 13 lives so far.
Speaking after visiting the LNJP Hospital to meet the injured, Shah said that it was “too early to draw conclusions” as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are currently analysing evidence collected from the site.
“We are keeping every angle open in this investigation — whether it was a mechanical failure, sabotage, or a planned act of terror. It would be premature to declare the cause until forensic teams and the NIA give their detailed report,” Shah told reporters.
The Home Minister added that all agencies had been instructed to work in coordination and report findings promptly to ensure the “truth comes out at the earliest.” He confirmed that the Prime Minister has been briefed and is monitoring developments closely.
What we know so far
The blast occurred around 6:52 PM near Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station, when a Hyundai i20 car exploded at a traffic signal, setting nearby vehicles on fire. At least 13 people were killed and over 20 injured, many of them pedestrians.
Police have confirmed that the car was registered in Haryana, and forensic teams are verifying the owner’s identity through registration and chassis data. The Delhi Police Special Cell has detained one suspect, as reported by CNN-News18, for preliminary questioning.
Experts rule out CNG explosion
Initial findings suggest that the explosion’s magnitude and impact radius exceed what is typical of a CNG blast, leading investigators to suspect the use of a high-intensity explosive or IED-like device.
“The impact zone extended nearly 25 meters, far greater than what a CNG cylinder could cause. The fire pattern and debris scatter point to a more powerful compound,” a forensic expert stated.
Current status
- 13 dead, over 20 injured, several in critical condition at LNJP Hospital.
- NIA, NSG, FSL, and Delhi Police are jointly investigating.
- Haryana-registered Hyundai i20 confirmed as the source of the blast.
- Delhi, NCR, and Uttar Pradesh placed on high alert; patrols and checkpoints intensified.
Disclaimer: This is a developing story. Information is based on official briefings and media updates. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.