At least eight people were killed in a gas cylinder explosion near the historic Red Fort in India’s capital, New Delhi, on Monday, local media reported. Police confirmed that a CNG cylinder caused the blast.
Delhi Police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi said, “Eight people have been killed in the explosion.” The incident occurred on a congested street near the Red Fort Metro Station, with visuals showing flames and smoke rising from multiple vehicles.
According to NDTV, the explosion originated inside a parked car, prompting a rapid response from the fire brigade. The Times of India reported that the fire spread to three to four other nearby vehicles.
A senior official of Delhi Fire Service told the Press Trust of India, “The blast occurred in a car parked near Red Fort Metro Station gate number 1. The intensity was quite high. Injuries are feared.”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. One resident said, “I was at the gurdwara when I heard a strong sound. We couldn’t make out what it was, it was that loud. Several vehicles nearby were completely damaged.” Another added, “The impact was so strong that nearby shops and buildings shook. Several people were injured and were being taken away immediately.”
The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a 17th-century Mughal-era fort and a prominent tourist destination in Old Delhi.
In the aftermath, some Indian media outlets quickly speculated about cross-border involvement, citing Pakistan without evidence. A Pakistani security source strongly rejected these allegations, stating that the claims are part of a recurring pattern of “false-flag” narratives in Indian media.
Security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali in Islamabad noted that the timing and location of the explosion could be exploited for political purposes ahead of the Bihar elections. “The choice of the Red Fort, a monument associated with India’s Mughal-era Muslim heritage, may be aimed at stirring religious tensions and influencing voters,” he said.
Social media users in India have also raised concerns about the handling of the incident. Some questioned whether political pressure influenced media reports, with several suggesting that the explosion is being misrepresented as a deliberate attack rather than a tragic accident involving a CNG cylinder.
Authorities in New Delhi and Mumbai have reportedly been placed on high alert following the incident.
