Red Fort blast: Video captures exact moments of blast; massive blaze erupts in smoke cloud - watch

NEW DELHI: A blast in a Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort on Monday evening killed at least 12 people and injured several others. Footage from the scene has now surfaced, capturing the exact moments before and after the explosion. The viral video shows Delhi’s Chandi Chowk crowded with commuters, while a digital creator shoots video. Two men are seen talking just seconds before the blast. Suddenly, a massive blaze erupts nearby, with the clould in blaze, sending people running.

“Bhai, bhago (Brother, run),” one of the men shouts as panic spreads. Some people flee immediately, while others appear confused, frozen by the unfolding chaos. The explosion occurred around 6.52 pm at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station during peak evening traffic.

Several vehicles, including 5-6 cars, four motorcycles, and three e-rickshaws, caught fire. Human body parts and debris were scattered across a 20-25 metre radius. Flames and thick smoke engulfed the area before police and fire teams brought the situation under control. According to Delhi Police, the slow-moving car, bearing a Gurgaon registration, was parked in a nearby lot for about two hours before the blast.

The current owner is identified as Tariq, from Pulwama. Investigators are also probing whether a suspect named Umar, absconding in a Faridabad explosives case, was in the vehicle. Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said, “An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to it, nearby vehicles were also damaged. Some people died, and some were injured in the incident.” Fire officials received the first SOS call at 6.55 pm and deployed seven fire tenders to control the blaze. The blast’s impact was felt in a 500-metre radius. Residents near Sis Ganj Gurdwara said their windows shattered, and they rushed outside to escape the fire. Delhi Metro station near the site lies on a heavily trafficked road between Delhi Gate and Kashmere Gate, close to Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and Old Delhi railway station. A senior officer said, “However, it is the proximity to Red Fort which may have triggered the choice of spot if the incident is confirmed to be terror-related.”