A massive explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort on Tuesday claimed the lives of at least eight people and left several others injured, according to initial reports from Delhi Police and emergency services. The blast occurred in the early hours of the evening, shattering the usual bustle around one of India’s most visited heritage sites and raising serious security concerns in the capital.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a burst of flames and thick black smoke rising from a vehicle parked close to the fort’s main entrance. The impact was powerful enough to damage nearby vehicles and shatter windows in adjacent shops and buildings. Panic ensued as bystanders and tourists ran for safety, while local vendors and traffic police rushed to assist the injured before emergency teams arrived.

Fire tenders, ambulances, and bomb disposal squads reached the scene within minutes. The injured were quickly transported to Lok Nayak and Aruna Asaf Ali hospitals, where several are reported to be in critical condition. Police have cordoned off the area and sealed all entry points to Red Fort as forensic teams collect evidence from the blast site.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion may have originated from a car loaded with flammable material or explosives, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of a deliberate act. “We are examining CCTV footage from surrounding areas and have requested inputs from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and forensic experts,” said a senior Delhi Police officer. “At this stage, we cannot confirm whether it was an accident or a planned attack.”

Security across Delhi has been heightened following the incident, especially around key government installations, metro stations, and crowded marketplaces. Sniffer dogs and bomb squads have been deployed at multiple locations as a precautionary measure. Traffic around Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and Jama Masjid has been diverted, and Red Fort will remain closed to the public until further notice.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Home Affairs have been briefed on the situation. Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly asked for a detailed report and directed central agencies to assist local authorities in determining the cause of the explosion. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged people to remain calm while the investigation is underway.

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has always been a high-security zone, especially given its historical and national significance. Each year, it hosts India’s Independence Day celebrations, making today’s incident particularly alarming.