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New Delhi: At least eight people were killed and several others injured in a powerful bomb blast that ripped through a car parked near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort on Monday afternoon, triggering panic in the high-security area of the national capital.

Officials at Lok Nayak Hospital confirmed that eight bodies had been brought in from the site of the explosion, while several of the injured have been shifted to Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) Hospital. Hospital authorities said many of the victims had sustained severe burn injuries and shrapnel wounds.

Blast Site Cordoned Off

A large contingent of Delhi Police, NSG, and forensic teams has cordoned off the area around the Red Fort. The explosion’s impact damaged several vehicles parked nearby. Eyewitnesses reported that the blast was so powerful it shattered the windows of nearby shops and cars.

“People were running in panic. We saw a car in flames and bodies lying nearby,” said an eyewitness who runs a tea stall close to the Red Fort’s entrance.

Fire, Rescue, and Security Response

The Delhi Fire Service rushed around ten fire tenders to douse the flames and assist in rescue operations. Ambulances were deployed immediately to transport the injured to hospitals.

High-Level Meeting at Home Ministry

The Union Home Ministry has convened an emergency high-level meeting to assess the situation. Senior officials from the Delhi Police, the Intelligence Bureau, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are in attendance.

A senior Home Ministry official said, “All angles, including a possible terror link, are being examined. Forensic teams are collecting samples from the blast site to determine the nature of the explosive used.”

Security Tightened Across Delhi

Security has been tightened at key installations, metro stations, and crowded public places across Delhi. The Red Fort area has been closed to the public for entry until further notice.