A car was destroyed by fire on the Jauljibi-Munsiyari road near Bangapani in Pithoragarh district on Wednesday morning, bringing traffic to a standstill for 2.5 hours. The vehicle’s owner and driver escaped safely after noticing smoke from the dashboard and stopping the car.

The incident occurred near Ratpatiya Chhid while Rajendra Singh, a resident of Sera Sirtola, was travelling to Bangapani market with village driver Prem Singh. They were travelling in a Swift Dzire when smoke began emerging from the dashboard.

Owner and driver escaped before flames spread

Driver Prem Singh stopped the vehicle in the middle of the road after sensing a possible danger. As he and Rajendra Singh stepped out, the car caught fire and flames quickly engulfed it.

No firefighting equipment was available nearby. The 2 men watched as the vehicle continued burning until the fire service team arrived. The car was completely destroyed before the team could reach the spot.

The vehicle owner informed the fire service at about 9:00 AM. According to Kedar Pangti, in-charge fire officer of the Dharchula unit, the team was sent to the location immediately. However, Bangapani is 58 kilometres from Dharchula, and the team reached at about 11:30 AM AM, after a journey lasting 2.5 hours.

Pangti said the cause of the fire is being investigated. No injury was reported in the incident.

Traffic affected on route to Munsiyari

The burning car blocked the road in both directions. A large number of vehicles and travellers, including hundreds of passengers, remained stranded until the fire subsided and traffic could resume.

The Jauljibi-Munsiyari road connects the route to the tourist town of Munsiyari. The Adi Kailash pilgris currently operating, and many visitors are travelling towards Munsiyari after completing the pilgrto see the area’s natural surroundings. The road blockage therefore delayed travellers heading towards their destinations.

Fire units are based in Dharchula and Didihat to respond to incidents across areas including Dharchula, Munsiyari and Thal. The distance between these units and remote locations can make a rapid response difficult, according to the report. The incident has again highlighted the challenge of controlling vehicle fires before they cause extensive damage in such areas.

Conclusion

The owner and driver escaped unharmed after stopping the car when smoke appeared, but the Swift Dzire was destroyed and the Jauljibi-Munsiyari road remained blocked for 2.5 hours. Fire officials are investigating the cause of the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where did the car catch fire?

The car caught fire near Ratpatiya Chhid in Bangapani on the Jauljibi-Munsiyari road in Pithoragarh district.

Q. Were the occupants injured?

No injury was reported. Owner Rajendra Singh and driver Prem Singh got out of the car before the flames spread.

Q. How long was the road blocked?

Traffic was affected for 2.5 hours, with vehicles and travellers stranded on both sides of the road.

Q. When did the fire service reach the site?

The fire service team reached the location at about 11:30 AM AM after travelling 58 kilometres from Dharchula.

Q. What caused the fire?

The cause of the fire is being investigated, according to the in-charge fire officer of the Dharchula unit.

Q. Which fire units cover the area?

Fire units are based in Dharchula and Didihat and respond to incidents in areas including Dharchula, Munsiyari and Thal.