Phulbani: One person was burnt alive and three others suffered grievous burn injuries after an auto-rickshaw and car caught fire following a head-on collision in Phulbani town of Odisha on Saturday.
As per preliminary information, the mishap took place near Vetkhal Ghat in Datapaju area of Phulbani when both the vehicles collided head-on and caught fire.
Sources said the driver of the auto-rickshaw was trapped inside the vehicle and was burnt alive. Two passengers travelling in the auto-rickshaw sustained severe burn injuries in the mishap.
The car involved in the accident had two occupants, including the driver. While the driver reportedly fled the scene following the accident, the other occupant suffered burn injuries.
After getting information, three fire tenders from Phulbani Fire Service, along with police personnel, rushed to the site. All three injured persons were rescued and rushed to Phulbani Hospital, where their condition was stated to be critical.
The fire was brought under control by the firefighters, but the auto-rickshaw had been completely gutted by then. Investigation into the incident is in progress.
