A powerful explosion tore through a bustling market area near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening, shattering the festive atmosphere and leaving scenes of devastation in its wake.
The blast, which occurred just before 7 p.m. in the crowded Chandi Chowk bazaar, originated from a vehicle and sent a massive fireball into the sky. The force of the detonation was reported to have been felt kilometers away, shaking buildings, shattering windows, and igniting several nearby vehicles and rickshaws.
Witnesses described a scene of immediate chaos and horror. The explosion occurred at a peak hour for the market, which was particularly crowded with shoppers due to the ongoing festive season. Panicked crowds fled in all directions as debris and flames filled the air.
First-hand accounts paint a grim picture of the aftermath. Survivors reported seeing severely damaged vehicles and scattered human remains in the street following the blast. A nearby fairground was also affected, with reports that a ferris wheel caught fire, trapping riders who cried out for assistance.
Local vendors and workers were among the first to respond, pulling victims from burning wreckage. Many described encountering individuals with catastrophic injuries. The explosion overturned market stalls and left the area littered with broken glass, twisted metal, and other debris.
Hospitals nearby received a surge of patients suffering from severe burns and blast injuries. The intensity of the explosion made identifying some of the victims extremely difficult for authorities working through the night. Families gathered at medical facilities, desperately seeking information about missing relatives.
The area surrounding the 17th-century Red Fort, a major tourist landmark and bustling commercial hub, remained cordoned off as emergency services continued their work. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian capital, disrupting life in one of its oldest and most vibrant districts.