Panic Near Radisson Blu Mahipalpur After Loud Bang Amid Red Fort Blast Tension
New Delhi witnessed fresh panic on Thursday morning after a loud blast-like sound was reported near the Radisson Blu Plaza hotel in Mahipalpur, an area close to the Delhi Airport. The incident occurred around 9:19 AM, prompting immediate response from police and fire services already on high alert following the deadly Red Fort car explosion just days earlier.
According to Delhi Police, the sound was initially treated as a potential blast due to its intensity and timing. However, after a detailed inspection, authorities confirmed that the noise was caused by the rear tyre of a DTC bus bursting, not an explosive device. The bus was en route toward Dhaula Kuan when the tyre burst produced the loud noise that several locals described as 'an explosion'. No injuries were reported.
The scare comes amid heightened public tension following the November 10 Red Fort blast, where a car exploded near the historic monument, killing at least eight people and causing nationwide shock. Investigations into the Red Fort incident are ongoing, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the blast as a suspected terror attack.
Because of the recent Red Fort bombing, the Mahipalpur scare triggered widespread fear. Many residents and commuters immediately assumed another attack was underway, leading to calls to emergency services and crowds gathering near the Radisson hotel before officials secured the area.
Delhi Police issued a statement reassuring the public that there was no IED, no suspicious vehicle, and no threat involved in the Mahipalpur report. Security teams thoroughly scanned the area, including the hotel perimeter, nearby service roads, and the passing vehicles.
Security across Delhi has been tightened since the Red Fort explosion. Major transit zones, hotels, metro stations, and tourist locations remain under enhanced surveillance. Agencies continue to evaluate intelligence inputs as they work to determine whether the Red Fort attack was an isolated incident or part of a larger coordinated plan.
The Mahipalpur incident underlines a growing sense of alertness among Delhi residents. While this scare turned out to be a non-terror event, the psychological impact of the earlier blast remains strong. It highlights the delicate balance between public safety, rapid response mechanisms, and the need to prevent unnecessary panic.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant but not alarmed, assuring that any suspicious sounds or activities will be immediately investigated. Meanwhile, the NIA continues its probe into the Red Fort blast, with more details expected to emerge in the coming days.
