A deafening blast near the iconic Red Fort shattered the evening bustle on November 10, 2025, turning a historic corner of India’s capital into a scene of tragedy and chaos. The high-intensity explosion in a white Hyundai i20 car claimed at least 13 lives and injured over 20 others, marking one of the most devastating incidents in Delhi in recent years. As investigations unfold under the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with nine suspects detained from Kanpur, the nation grapples with grief, heightened security, and a renewed focus on urban safety.
For residents of Delhi and beyond – from the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk to quiet neighborhoods in Noida – this event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in crowded urban spaces. Eyewitnesses described a “loud bang” that echoed like thunder, followed by flames engulfing vehicles and bystanders. Here’s a verified breakdown of what happened, the ongoing probe, and practical steps for staying informed and safe in these tense times.
The Incident: A Routine Evening Turns Deadly
The explosion occurred at approximately 6:42 PM near the Red Fort Metro Station in Old Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with shoppers, commuters, and tourists during the peak hour rush. The vehicle, a slow-moving Hyundai i20, came to a halt at a red light before detonating, sending car parts, debris, and shockwaves across the crowded intersection.
Eyewitness Balbir Singh, a 47-year-old driver, recounted: “I heard a very loud explosion in the car 50 meters ahead of me. Several vehicles caught fire. My car also got damaged.” Local businessman Veeru Sindhi, who rushed to help, described “multiple bodies and vehicles engulfed in flames,” adding, “I am fully shaken by what I have seen.” CCTV footage and mobile videos captured hundreds fleeing in panic, with the blast’s force ripping limbs and igniting nearby cars.
Delhi Fire Services received the alert at 6:55 PM and dispatched teams, controlling the blaze by 7:30 PM. The death toll stands at 13, including the driver identified as Dr. Umar un Nabi – a Kanpur-based physician allegedly linked to a terror module – with over 20 injured, many treated for burns and shrapnel wounds at nearby hospitals. A human arm was recovered from the site on November 13, aiding forensic identification.
The blast’s ferocity – likened to a “high-intensity” detonation – prompted immediate speculation, but authorities swiftly cordoned the area, deploying National Security Guard (NSG) teams and forensic experts.
The Investigation: Terror Probe Takes Center Stage
Delhi Police registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), India’s anti-terror law, signaling early suspicions of foul play. The NIA assumed control, focusing on the vehicle’s final movements and the procurement of explosives like ammonium nitrate – a controlled substance in India.
Key developments include:
- Suspect Profile: Dr. Umar un Nabi, the driver, was tasked with establishing a women’s wing for the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group in India, per NIA sources. The car carried three occupants at the time.
- Arrests: Nine suspects were taken into custody from Kanpur on November 12, linked to the module.
- Forensic Focus: Teams await explosives reports, probing angles from terror attacks to mechanical failures, though UAPA filing points to the former.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and injured victims, assuring a thorough probe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “brutal terrorist attack,” vowing justice. International leaders, including Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi, expressed condolences, with China’s Ambassador Xu Feihong offering solidarity.
Heightened Tensions: Panic Calls and Sonic Booms
In the blast’s wake, Delhi’s nerves frayed further. On November 13, a “loud, explosion-like sound” near Radisson Hotel in Mahipalpur triggered panic calls to fire services at 9:19 AM. Three fire tenders rushed to the scene, but investigations revealed it was a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus tyre burst en route to Dhaula Kuan – no suspicious activity found. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel confirmed the caller’s account of hearing the noise while heading to Gurugram.
Elsewhere, similar scares emerged: On November 11, loud booms in Jodhpur, Rajasthan – near the Pakistan border – alarmed residents but were attributed to Indian Air Force (IAF) supersonic training flights creating sonic booms. A sonic boom, the shockwave from aircraft exceeding sound speed (about 1,235 km/h at sea level), often mimics explosions and is common near airbases like those in Amritsar and Bengaluru. Jodhpur Police clarified no threat, urging calm.
A separate IAF PC-7 trainer crash near Chennai on November 14 injured three civilians on the ground, with locals reporting a “loud explosion” before impact; the pilot ejected safely. In Anekal, Karnataka, school panic from “leftover Deepavali crackers” burst in a restroom was quickly debunked.
These incidents highlight a national spike in alert levels, with Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh on high security post-blast.
Community Response: Unity Amid Grief
Delhi’s spirit shone through the sorrow. Volunteers aided rescue efforts, while families of the missing – like Mohammed Azghar’s brother – held vigils. Social media overflowed with support, from #DelhiBlast prayers to calls for vigilance. The Red Fort Metro Station briefly shut, but services resumed swiftly.
Staying Safe: Practical Tips for Urban Indians
In light of these events, experts recommend:
- Report Wisely: Dial 100 for police or 101 for fire on hearing unusual sounds; avoid speculation to prevent misinformation.
- Awareness in Crowds: Stay alert near landmarks; follow official apps like Delhi Police’s Himmat for alerts.
- Sonic Boom Know-How: If near airbases, booming sounds may signal routine IAF drills – check @IAF_MCC for updates.
- Mental Health Support: Helplines like iCall (022-25521111) offer counseling for trauma.
As the NIA deepens its probe, the Red Fort blast underscores the need for resilient communities. Delhi, ever the heartbeat of India, rises stronger – a testament to its unyielding resolve.
This article is based on verified reports from official sources and eyewitness accounts as of November 21, 2025. For updates, follow @DelhiPolice and @NIA_India on X.
Last Updated on: Friday, November 21, 2025 12:34 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Friday, November 21, 2025 12:34 pm | News Categories: News