Kundapur: A moving car caught fire suddenly and was completely gutted within minutes near Sharke Cross in Vandse village on the Hemmadi–Kollur State Highway on Saturday morning, causing panic among motorists and local residents in the area.
Fire breaks out while vehicle in motion
The car belonged to Bhaskar Achar, a resident of Beejadi, who was travelling on official work. According to information available, he had gone to Alur earlier in the day and was returning towards Kundapur at around 10 am when the incident occurred.
While driving, Bhaskar Achar noticed smoke accompanied by a loud noise emerging from the front portion of the vehicle. Realising the danger, he immediately pulled the car to the side of the road and stepped out to assess the situation.
Flames spread rapidly despite rescue efforts
Within moments, flames began to engulf the front portion of the car and quickly spread to the rest of the vehicle. Local residents who noticed the fire rushed to the spot and attempted to douse the flames using water and other available resources.
However, the fire intensified rapidly, making it impossible to bring under control. Despite their efforts, the blaze continued to spread, and the car was completely gutted within a short span of time.
Bhaskar Achar escaped unhurt as he managed to get out of the vehicle in time. No other injuries were reported in the incident.
Suspected short circuit
Preliminary information suggests that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit in the vehicle. Officials said that further inspection would be required to confirm the exact cause of the fire.
Vehicle fires triggered by electrical faults have been reported on highways in recent times, and experts advise motorists to remain alert to early warning signs such as smoke, unusual noises or burning smells.
Fire and police personnel inspect spot
Personnel from the Kundapur Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the scene after receiving information about the incident. By the time they arrived, the car had already been reduced to ashes. Firefighters ensured that the flames were fully extinguished and that there was no risk of the fire spreading to nearby areas.
Police from the Kollur police station also visited the spot and conducted an inspection. They gathered details from the car owner and eyewitnesses and are expected to prepare a report on the incident.
Traffic briefly affected
The incident caused brief disruption to traffic on the Hemmadi–Kollur State Highway as motorists slowed down near the site of the fire. Police personnel later ensured smooth movement of vehicles after the burnt remains of the car were cleared from the roadside.
Narrow escape for driver
The incident ended without loss of life, but it served as a reminder of the risks associated with vehicle fires, especially on highways. The timely response of the driver in stopping the car and exiting immediately helped prevent a serious tragedy.
Conclusion
The sudden fire that gutted the car near Sharke Cross highlights the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and quick response during emergencies. Authorities have advised motorists to immediately stop their vehicles and move to a safe distance if they notice smoke or fire, and to seek assistance from emergency services without delay.