Daijiworld Media Network - Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, Nov 10: Panic gripped motorists on the Vashi–Koparkhairane road on Monday afternoon after a moving car suddenly caught fire near D-Mart in Koparkhairane. The driver managed to escape unhurt, but the flames spread to a parked SUV, partially damaging it. The car itself was completely gutted in the blaze.

According to officials, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. when a Tata Indica car, driven by Satish Bansode (41), a resident of Koparkhairane and an electrician contracted with MSEDCL, caught fire mid-drive. In a panic, Bansode stopped the burning car close to a parked SUV, which then also caught fire before firefighters could contain the flames.

Koparkhairane Fire Station officer Prashant Gole said, “Our team reached the site within five minutes of receiving the emergency call. The Indica was fully engulfed when we arrived. Despite our quick response, the vehicle was completely charred. The nearby SUV sustained partial damage as the fire spread before it was brought under control.”

The parked SUV was later identified as belonging to Dr. Archana Wani (51), a local resident.

Senior Inspector Umesh Gavali of Koparkhairane Police stated that preliminary investigation revealed the fire originated due to a ruptured gasket in the car’s CNG cylinder. “The driver had installed the CNG kit without adhering to safety norms and mandatory regulations,” he said.

Police have registered an FIR against Bansode under sections 125 and 324(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which penalize rash or negligent acts endangering life and mischief causing damage. He has also been booked under sections 52 and 182(a)(4) of the Motor Vehicles Act for illegally modifying the vehicle and dangerous driving.

A notice has been issued to Bansode under the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) provisions. Authorities have urged vehicle owners to ensure that all CNG installations are certified and compliant with safety standards to prevent such incidents.