New Delhi: A sudden explosion near the Lal Quila Metro station jolted the Chandni Chowk area on Monday evening, turning one of Delhi’s busiest marketplaces into a scene of chaos and fear. The blast, reportedly originating from a moving vehicle close to Gate No. 1 of the metro station, left several people injured and caused widespread panic among commuters and traders.
The incident occurred during peak hours, when the narrow lanes of Old Delhi were crowded with shoppers, office-goers, and street vendors. Within seconds of the explosion, flames engulfed the vehicle, sending people running for their lives. The loud sound of the blast echoed through the area, bringing traffic to a halt and filling the air with thick smoke.
“I was sitting in my shop when everything shook,” said Ramesh Tiwari, a trader in Lajpat Rai Market. “I stepped outside and saw people screaming, some bleeding, and others trying to pull the injured away from the fire.”
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene — vehicles damaged, shop shutters twisted, and the smell of burning metal filling the air. “It didn’t seem like a gas leak or a regular fire,” said Shravan Kumar, who was near the site. “The flames rose very high, and there was a strange chemical stench.”
Many locals were quick to act, calling the police and fire department even before the sirens arrived. “Everyone was just trying to help,” said Priya Singh, a passerby who witnessed the chaos. “People were pouring water from bottles to douse the flames before firefighters came.”
Saurav Gupta, who had visited the Gauri Shankar temple minutes earlier, said he narrowly missed the explosion. “If I had stayed back for just a few more minutes, I would’ve been right there,” he said, visibly shaken.
Bystanders said several vehicles nearby were damaged by the impact. Bus passengers caught in traffic described scenes of pandemonium. “We heard a huge bang and saw fire a few meters away,” said commuter Kamaruddin. “People in the bus started pushing each other to get out — everyone was terrified.”
Delhi Police quickly sealed off the area, putting up barricades and diverting traffic to prevent further congestion. Several car owners were unable to retrieve their vehicles as the site was declared a restricted zone.
“I understand it’s for safety, but my car is still there. I don’t know when I’ll be allowed to take it,” said Simarjeet Singh, one of the stranded motorists.
The explosion site lies between two major landmarks — the Lajpat Rai electronics market and the Gauri Shankar temple — both known to attract heavy evening crowds. Investigators from the Delhi Police’s Special Cell and forensic teams are examining the debris to determine the exact cause of the blast.
Officials have yet to confirm whether it was accidental or a deliberate act. As night fell, the usually lively Chandni Chowk remained eerily silent, its residents shaken by the reminder of how quickly normal life can turn into chaos.
Authorities have appealed to the public to stay away from the area as the investigation continues.
