Tourists Narrowly Escape CNG Car Fire on Puri–Satapada Highway
Puri, Odisha – In a harrowing incident on Sunday evening, a CNG-powered car carrying tourists from Angul district burst into flames while travelling along State Highway 316 near the Panasapada petrol pump.
The group had been returning from a sightseeing trip to Satapada, known for its scenic Chilika Lake views, when the fire erupted suddenly.
Eyewitnesses described the vehicle being engulfed in flames within seconds, forcing the driver and passengers to flee for their lives.
Fortunately, all occupants escaped unharmed. Fire services rushed to the site and quickly contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading further.
Traffic on the busy highway was briefly disrupted but resumed shortly after the fire was extinguished.
Preliminary investigations point to a possible malfunction in the CNG system, though officials have launched a probe to determine the exact cause.
The incident has reignited concerns about vehicle safety standards, particularly for alternative fuel options like CNG, which are increasingly popular in India for their eco-friendly benefits.
Police and fire officials are coordinating to provide support to the affected tourists, while authorities emphasise the need for stricter safety checks to prevent similar mishaps in the future.
