A powerful explosion outside Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening killed at least eight people and left several others injured, sending shockwaves through the national capital and prompting an immediate high alert across Delhi.

According to police and fire officials, the blast triggered a massive fire that engulfed six cars, four motorcycles, and three e-rickshaws, leaving the area strewn with debris and charred vehicles. The Delhi Fire Service said a call was received at 6:55 p.m., and seven fire tenders were rushed to the scene. The blaze was brought under control by 7:36 p.m., officials confirmed.

Dr. B.L. Chaudhary, MD of Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed that eight people were killed and six others injured, some critically. The injured were rushed to LNJP and other nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range) Madhur Verma said preliminary investigation suggested the car involved was CNG-equipped, but the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. “It’s too early to comment on the nature of the blast,” he added.

Teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell, National Investigation Agency (NIA), and National Security Guard (NSG) have reached the site and begun an extensive probe. Forensic experts are examining vehicle remains to determine whether the explosion was accidental or an act of terror.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation. Videos circulated on social media showed flames lighting up the evening sky, with bystanders pulling victims from burning vehicles. Sanjay Bhargava, President of the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, said, “It was a massive blast — buildings shook as if an earthquake had struck. The impact was felt nearly 800 meters away. There were bodies lying on the road.”

Local residents near Sis Ganj Gurdwara reported that the blast shattered windows and caused panic in the densely populated area. The site, located near Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk market, is one of the busiest areas in the capital, particularly during evening hours.

The Red Fort Metro Station, situated between Delhi Gate and Kashmere Gate, has been partially restricted for entry and exit. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said in a statement, “Entry/exit at Gate Nos. 1 and 4 at Lal Qila have been closed. Metro services continue to run normally across the network.”

Authorities have cordoned off the area and deployed large numbers of police personnel to manage crowds and assist in rescue operations. Traffic diversions have been implemented around Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Jama Masjid.

The incident comes just hours after security agencies in Haryana busted a terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad, recovering 2,900 kg of explosives and several weapons near Faridabad — raising suspicion of a possible coordinated terror plan.

Top officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, have been briefed on the situation. The Home Ministry has instructed the NIA to lead the investigation and assess potential terror links.