New Delhi: In a tragic incident near Jindal at Anchepalya on the Bengaluru-Tumakuru road, a 48-year-old real-estate agent met a harrowing end when his Maruti XL6 Hybrid variant burst into flames. The intensity of the fire was so severe that the driver, trapped in the central locking system, couldnt escape and succumbed to the flames.The devastating aftermathThe victim, identified as T Anil Kumar, faced a horrifying fate as the vehicle turned into a raging inferno within moments. Despite attempts by bystanders and petrol pump employees to douse the flames, the fire proved relentless, leaving Anil with no chance of survival.Identification challenges, viral footageDue to the swift and intense nature of the fire, Anils identity became challenging to establish. A video capturing the incident has gone viral on social media, shedding light on the severity of the tragedy. The burnt vehicle, identified as the Maruti XL6 Hybrid Zeta variant, raises concerns about the safety of hybrid cars.In a horrifying incident on the outskirts of Bengaluru near Nelamangala, Anil Kumar from Jalahalli, lost his life in a @Maruti_Corp Ertiga car fire. The vehicle was engulfed in flames, leading to a fatal incident. The intense fire and a CNG cylinder explosion proved fatal. pic.twitter.com/n7zcGaspJl— 𝔖𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔥🦁 (@Siingh777) December 27, 2023Central locking jammedEyewitnesses recount Anils futile attempts to open the car doors, thwarted by the jammed central locking system. Despite the onlookers efforts to deploy fire extinguishers, the fires ferocity prevailed. The incident occurred between 3 to 3:15 pm, amplifying the urgency and helplessness of those present.Meanwhile, MN Halli Police, responding to the incident, confirmed the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities have reached out to Maruti Suzuki for information. The car manufacturer, however, has not issued any statements as yet, leaving the investigation open-ended.Hybrid car Initially, there was confusion regarding the cars fuel type, with speculation that it was CNG-fitted. Clarifications revealed it to be a hybrid car, specifically the Maruti XL6 Hybrid Zeta variant. Efforts to control the fire, even with the aid of a passing buss fire extinguisher, were in vain, resulting in the complete destruction of the vehicle.Maruti has not released any statements yetThe incident highlights the potential risks associated with hybrid cars, shedding light on safety concerns that need urgent attention. As investigations unfold, questions linger about the specific circumstances leading to this tragic event, prompting a critical review of safety measures in hybrid vehicles.In a society increasingly embracing hybrid technology, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for rigorous safety standards and continuous evaluation of potential risks associated with evolving automotive technologies.
