The death toll from Monday evening’s explosion near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi has risen to nine, according to officials at Lok NayakJai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital.
Sixteen people were brought to the hospital, eight of whom were declared dead on arrival. Three others are in critical condition, while one person remains stable, the hospital’s Medical Superintendent told ANI.
The blast at Red Fort occurred around 7 pm, causing a massive fire that engulfed nearby parked vehicles. Seven fire tenders were rushed to the scene to bring the blaze under control.
Authorities have cordoned off the area near the Red Fort and launched an extensive investigation.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, preliminary reports suggest it could have been triggered by a CNG cylinder or an electric vehicle battery. This blast comes just hours after 2900 kg of explosvies were caught from Haryana’s Faridabad.
However, officials have not ruled out the possibility of a deliberate act. Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) are currently examining the site.
Further details are awaited as rescue and forensic operations continue.
