Mohali: Panic gripped commuters on Mohali Airport Road after a speeding BMW car caught fire and was gutted in minutes on Sunday afternoon. The driver managed to jump out on time but the vehicle was completely destroyed.According to eyewitnesses, the car was headed from New Chandigarh towards the airport when sparks were suddenly seen emerging from it. Within moments, thick smoke started billowing out, and the vehicle erupted into a ball of fire. Some witnesses also reported hearing loud explosive sounds as the fire intensified.The incident occurred around 2:45pm near TDI area and briefly disrupted traffic on the busy stretch.ASI Sukhwinder Singh, a PCR official from Balongi police station, said that by the time the police team reached the spot, the vehicle had been reduced to ashes. Both the front and rear number plates were completely destroyed in the blaze, making immediate identification difficult. The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene soon after the fire broke out.Police officials said that due to the absence of number plates, it is yet to be confirmed whether the vehicle is registered in Mohali, Chandigarh or Panchkula. “The owner will be identified through the engine number,” the official added.Fire department officials suspect that the blaze may have originated in the engine compartment, which possibly led to the subsequent explosions. A fire brigade team rushed to the spot upon receiving information and brought the fire under control after nearly an hour, though the car was already completely gutted.Preliminary investigation has indicated that the vehicle is registered in the name of Surender Singh, with an address in Mohali. However, the identity and whereabouts of the driver at the time of the incident are yet to be ascertained.Police and fire department teams are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fire. MSID:: 130209839 413 |
