Jehanabad/Patna: A car caught fire shortly after being refuelled with compressed natural gas (CNG) near a fuel station at Kako Mor in Jehanabad on Thursday, prompting a response from the fire services department.
The vehicle, an older-model WagonR, was reportedly engulfed in flames within minutes of leaving the refuelling point. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Fire breaks out after vehicle is started
According to eyewitness accounts, smoke began emerging from the engine compartment soon after the driver started the vehicle following the CNG refill.
Within moments, the fire spread through the car. The driver exited the vehicle safely and alerted others nearby.
At the time of the incident, no other passengers were travelling in the car.
Firefighters prevent wider damage
Fire service personnel reached the scene after being informed of the incident and brought the blaze under control.
Officials said the prompt response helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby areas, including the adjacent CNG filling station.
The vehicle was extensively damaged in the fire.
Owner cites possible technical fault
The car’s owner, Mohammad Rahmatullah, a resident of Chiksaura village under Shakurabad police station area in Jehanabad district, said he had purchased the vehicle second-hand and that it was already fitted with a CNG kit.
He said a technical fault in the aftermarket CNG kit may have caused the fire, though the exact reason has not been officially confirmed.
Rahmatullah said he was travelling from his village to Patna and had asked the driver to refill the vehicle with CNG after reaching Jehanabad. He had stepped out of the car and was standing some distance away when the incident occurred.
Cause yet to be officially determined
Authorities have not yet announced the findings of any technical inspection. The cause of the fire is expected to be determined after further examination of the vehicle and its CNG system.
