The powerful car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening, which killed at least nine people and injured many others, could have caused even greater devastation if the monument had not been closed to visitors that day.
The Red Fort, one of Delhi’s most visited landmarks, remains closed to the public every Monday. This closure, locals believe, prevented a much larger tragedy. On any other day, the area sees heavy rush with tourists, food vendors, rickshaw pullers, and street shoppers.
“This area is always crowded on other days. People usually stroll around after visiting the monument and eat at nearby stalls. On Monday, most people here were shoppers from Chandni Chowk,” Deccan Herald quoted Sonu Singh, an auto-rickshaw driver who operates near the Red Fort.
Singh recalled the horrific aftermath of the blast, saying, “We saw body parts of two or three men. It was terrifying.”
Another eyewitness, Irfan, described the scene as nightmarish. “We saw severed hands and fingers. Many handcart pullers and taxi drivers were caught in the blast. Some didn’t survive,” he said.
The explosion occurred close to Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, a location surrounded by popular tourist spots such as Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid. The area also houses several busy markets known for selling dry fruits, spices, and spectacles.
Eyewitnesses and local vendors said the blast shook the old city, sending shockwaves through the narrow lanes and crowded bazaars. Smoke filled the air as people ran for safety, fearing more explosions.