Cuttack: Members of a family from West Bengal had a close shave after their car caught fire following a collision with a truck on NH 16 in Odisha’s Cuttack district on Tuesday.
Eyewitnesses said the car was completely gutted after it caught fire near Cuttack-Tangi Nirgundi overbridge in the morning. Though the vehicle wet up in flames, the family travelling in the car narrowly escaped with minor injuries.
Following the mishap, vehicular movement on the route remained affected for quite some time.
Sources said the car from Kolkata was proceeding towards Puri when it hit a truck from behind.
Eyewitnesses said the speeding truck suddenly applied brake and came to a sudden halt. As a result, the car moving behind it rammed into the truck. The collision was so severe that the car immediately caught fire and the flames spread rapidly.
However, the family members travelling in the car managed to open the doors and move out quickly.
On getting information, a police team visited the spot and tried to douse the flames. But unable to contain the blaze, fire service personnel were finally engaged.
Official sources said police are making arrangements for the stranded family’s return to Kolkata.