The death toll in the Delhi Red Fort car blast has climbed to 13, with several others critically injured, according to officials at LNJP Hospital. The explosion, which occurred around 6:52 PM on Monday near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, has been termed one of the most severe incidents in the capital in recent years.
Haryana-registered i20 car under police lens
Investigators have confirmed that the Hyundai i20 car involved in the blast was registered in Haryana. The Delhi Police Crime Branch, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are jointly working to identify the owner and last known driver of the vehicle.
Sources told Business Upturn that police teams are retracing the car’s movement using CCTV footage from routes leading into Delhi and are verifying whether the vehicle was stolen, rented, or used under a false identity.
The vehicle’s chassis and engine number have been shared with the VAHAN database, and the owner’s name is expected to be officially released soon.
Explosion impact suggests more than CNG blast
While early speculation pointed to a possible CNG cylinder explosion, experts and investigators now believe the blast’s magnitude and radius of damage (over 25 meters) are inconsistent with a regular vehicle explosion.
An explosives expert explained:
“A CNG blast typically impacts a small radius of around 10 meters. The extent of destruction here — multiple vehicles gutted and shrapnel spread widely — indicates a high-intensity explosive, possibly an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or a similar compound.”
What officials have said so far
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that “the explosion occurred in a slow-moving vehicle near the Red Fort traffic signal, damaging several vehicles.” He added that all major agencies, including the NIA and NSG, are part of the ongoing probe.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the blast site and later the LNJP Hospital, where he met victims. He stated that “all possibilities are being explored” and that a comprehensive report would be shared with the public once investigations conclude.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was briefed by Shah, also expressed condolences, saying,
“Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi earlier this evening. May the injured recover at the earliest. Those affected are being assisted by authorities.”
Current status
- 13 confirmed dead, over 20 injured, with several in critical condition.
- Haryana-registered i20 car at the centre of investigation.
- CCTV footage, forensic samples, and mobile tower data being analysed.
- One suspect has been detained for questioning, according to CNN-News18.
- Delhi, NCR, and Uttar Pradesh remain on high alert, with enhanced security at metro stations, religious sites, and border checkpoints.
Disclaimer: This is a developing story based on official briefings and media reports. Details may evolve as forensic investigations and interrogation findings are verified.