Skoda car catches fire on highway in Vikhroli, affects traffic movement

A burning Skoda car on the eastern express highway in Vikhroli east on Monday evening created panic situation and affected the flow of traffic. A fire brigade engine was rushed to the spot and the fire was doused off within half an hour. The incident took place at around 4.15 pm just few metres ahead of the Ghatkopar bridge on the stretch of the highway leading to North Mumbai.

One Radhe Sundaram was driving the car which was registered on the name of his brother-in-law. Mr. Radhe, who was driving to his home in Mulund, was alone in the car when the fire emanated from it. Mr. Radhe parked the car near the pavement after he saw some smoke emanating from the engine. He felt something wrong with the vehicle and immediately got out of the car. In no time, the whole car was on fire.

The cause of fire is yet to be ascertained. The Skoda was bought seven years ago. "We have conducted a panchnama. We need to probe the incident further to see if there is any negligence on the part of the motorist, which could have led to injuries to other motorists," said police sub inspector, Narayan Tadkar of Vikhroli police station.