Breaking: 7 Identified, 2 Still Unidentified After Red Fort Blast; DNA Tests And Postmortems Underway

Authorities have confirmed that seven of the nine victims from the Red Fort i20 blast have been formally identified; two bodies remain unclaimed and are undergoing DNA testing. Postmortem examinations and sample collection were carried out at LNJP and Maulana Azad hospitals, where forensic teams extracted DNA from severely damaged remains to enable family verification. Officials said the intensity of the explosion left some bodies badly fragmented, complicating visual identification and making laboratory confirmation essential. FSL teams continue to collect and catalogue fragments and material evidence from the scene, while police and central agencies await toxicology and blast-analysis reports to determine if the cause involved conventional fuel/CNG, an accidental engine fire, or external explosives. Families of the missing have been present outside hospitals throughout the night, providing DNA samples and awaiting final results. Investigators stressed the need for patience given the sensitive nature of the forensic work and said results could take time to be conclusive. Meanwhile, the multi-agency probe continues to trace the vehicle’s route and ownership chain, and security agencies are coordinating to ensure accurate forensic links are established before public announcements. Authorities appealed for calm and asked citizens to rely only on official updates as the identification and technical investigations progress.