Death and despair at Lok Nayak Hospital as families hunt for loved ones after Red Fort blast

The emergency wing of Delhi’s Lok Nayak Hospital turned into a scene of devastation on November 10 evening as victims of the Red Fort blast arrived in a steady, harrowing stream.

Many suffered deep burns, crushed skulls, fractured limbs, and traumatic amputations. Families crowded the corridors, their cries echoing through the hospital as doctors fought to save lives.

By 11.30 pm, at least 30 victims had been brought in — some ferried by ambulances, others by battery rickshaws. Nine were declared dead on arrival. Hospital sources said several bodies were so grievously mutilated that identification was impossible. Three had their upper torsos missing, and one face was burned beyond recognition.

Inside the emergency room, more than 15 doctors and 20 paramedical staff worked relentlessly. Another team of 10 handled the main casualty ward, cleaning wounds, stabilising patients and rushing the most critical for diagnostic procedures. Despite their efforts, the human toll kept rising.

Outside, grief engulfed the families waiting for news.

“Mera bhai chala gaya,” a woman cried, clinging to her husband. Her husband, Nazim, said they had been calling her brother after seeing the news flash on television, but he never picked up.

Among those who lost their lives was 35-year-old Amar Kataria, a pharmacist from Chandni Chowk. He had been walking toward the Red Fort Metro station when the explosion tore through the area. A stranger found him injured and rushed him to the hospital, but Kataria did not survive.

Another victim was 34-year-old Ashok Kumar, who had come to meet an acquaintance from his village at the metro station. Ashok worked with a private company; the acquaintance he came to meet, Lokesh, remains missing.

Sandeep Kumar, 64, who knew both men, said: “I got a call from someone at Red Fort. Lokesh ka phone Red Fort chowki pe mila, par woh nahin mil raha.” Lokesh’s phone was recovered from the Red Fort police chowki — but there was still no trace of him.

As the night wore on, fear, grief, and uncertainty deepened. For many families, the search continued — with hope fading and unanswered questions mounting.