Daijiworld News Network - Thumbe/Bantwal (VM), Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje

Bantwal, Mar 5: In a rare fire mishap on road, a gas-run Maruthi Omni was gutted down on Saturday, March 5, 2006 on the National Highway 45 near Thumbe.

An incident, which raised several questions that still remained unanswered, was reported on Saturday evening. The car broke down near Thumbe after which the passengers were noticed replacing the flat wheel when they noticed flames from the cylinder locals say. The uncontrolled fire quickly engulfed the entire vehicle.

As soon as the news reached the Bantwal rural police station, inspector Sudharshan and his team rushed to the spot and helped in extinguishing the fire. The fire brigade, which arrived at the spot had to return as the fire was already extinguished.
The police are in search for details of the vehicle owner and the absconding vehicle passengers who are absconding.

A packet of Prasadam from Dharmastala found in the car indicates that the car was on its way to Mangalore from Dharmastala.

This is the so far the first case of a fire mishap in a gas-run vehicle. But doubts arise whether the fire broke due to a leak in the cylinder or was done intentionally.