Thiruvananthapuram Couple Narrowly Escapes Car Fire on Busy Bridge
A retired police officer and his wife had a miraculous escape after their car caught fire on the Jagathy bridge in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday evening. The incident occurred during peak traffic hours, causing significant disruption but resulting in no injuries.
Timely Escape Prevents Tragedy
Radhakrishnan Nair, a retired police officer from Kuttanikkad, was driving with his wife Jayalalitha when they noticed smoke billowing from the left side of the bonnet while crossing the bridge. Acting swiftly, they pulled over and evacuated the vehicle just moments before it burst into flames.
The quick thinking of the couple likely saved them from serious harm, as the fire rapidly engulfed the car after their exit. Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze was intense and visible from a distance, drawing immediate attention from passersby and motorists.
Firefighting Efforts and Investigation
Local residents attempted to extinguish the fire using water, but their efforts proved ineffective against the spreading flames. Fire and rescue services personnel were promptly alerted and rushed to the scene, where they managed to bring the blaze under control after a concerted effort.
Preliminary investigations by authorities suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire. A detailed inspection of the vehicle will be conducted to determine the exact cause, with officials emphasizing the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent such incidents.
Traffic Disruption and Safety Concerns
The fire caused considerable traffic congestion on the bridge during the busy evening hours, with authorities diverting vehicles to alternate routes until the situation was resolved. This incident has raised concerns about vehicle safety and emergency preparedness in high-traffic urban areas.
Fire department officials have advised motorists to be vigilant about unusual smells or smoke from their vehicles and to pull over safely at the first sign of trouble. They also recommend keeping fire extinguishers in cars as a precautionary measure.
