A family of five from Ahmedabad experienced a heart-stopping escape on Sunday morning when their luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) burst into flames moments after a collision on a major Gujarat expressway. The incident, which caused significant traffic disruption, underscores the perils of high-speed travel and the importance of swift emergency response.
Miraculous Escape Seconds Before Inferno
The terrifying sequence of events unfolded around 9 am on December 7, 2025, on the Mahatma Gandhi Expressway-1 connecting Ahmedabad and Vadodara. The family, hailing from Naranpura in Ahmedabad, was returning home after attending a wedding in Chhota Udepur. Their journey took a dangerous turn near Bilodara in Kheda district when their SUV collided with the rear of a truck that reportedly braked suddenly.
According to officials from the expressway patrolling team, the alertness of the SUV's driver played a crucial role in mitigating the impact. The driver managed to slow down before the collision, a move that likely saved the lives of all five occupants. Despite this, the front hood of the vehicle sustained heavy damage in the crash.
Swift Evacuation and Traffic Snarl
The real danger emerged moments after the crash. As the damaged SUV began to emit smoke, the family acted with remarkable presence of mind. They immediately evacuated the vehicle, getting to a safe distance just seconds before the car was completely engulfed in flames. This quick thinking prevented what could have been a fatal tragedy.
The highway patrol team arrived at the spot within minutes. To manage the situation and allow firefighting operations, they restricted traffic movement on one side of the expressway. This led to a 20-minute traffic hold-up on the Vadodara to Ahmedabad carriageway, causing a significant backlog of vehicles during the morning hours.
Fire Control and Aftermath
The Nadiad civic body's Fire and Emergency Services team was promptly dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, firefighters worked to bring the blazing vehicle under control. Normal traffic flow resumed only after the fire was fully extinguished and the scene was made safe.
While the family escaped without physical injury, the luxury SUV was completely destroyed in the fire. The expressway patrolling team facilitated their rescue and provided initial assistance. Authorities have noted that further investigation into the exact cause of the sudden braking by the truck and the subsequent fire is ongoing. More details regarding the vehicle model and the identities of the family members are awaited as officials complete their formal report on this harrowing incident.
This event serves as a stark reminder for all expressway users about the importance of maintaining safe following distances, staying alert, and the critical value of emergency preparedness on high-speed road networks.
