Mumbai-Delhi Expressway: 5 Burnt Alive After Car Catches Fire Near Alwar

A devastating accident claimed five lives after a moving car suddenly caught fire on the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred near Maujpur late Wednesday night when the victims were returning from a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. According to officials, the fire broke out while the vehicle was in motion, leaving those inside with almost no time to react or escape. Emergency services were alerted immediately, and fire tenders rushed to the spot to contain the blaze. Although firefighters managed to bring the flames under control within 15 minutes, the vehicle had already been completely engulfed. The intensity of the fire turned the car into a charred shell, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. Authorities described the scene as tragic, with the rapid spread of the fire leaving little chance for survival. The incident has raised concerns over vehicle safety and the risks associated with highway travel.

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Police officials said the victims included three women, a man, and a minor girl, all residents of Sheopur district in Madhya Pradesh. Their sudden deaths have left their families in deep shock. Investigators suspect that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Since the car was powered by compressed natural gas, the fire spread rapidly, worsening the situation within seconds. Deputy Superintendent of Police Kailash Jindal stated that the intensity of the flames was so severe that only skeletal remains were recovered from the vehicle. These remains have been preserved separately, and DNA tests will be conducted to confirm the identities of the deceased. Authorities believe the victims had almost no time to respond or exit the vehicle safely due to the speed at which the fire escalated.

The driver of the car, identified as Vinod Kumar Mehar, was the only survivor of the incident. Officials said he managed to jump out of the burning vehicle but suffered nearly 80 percent burn injuries. He was first taken to a nearby health centre for immediate treatment and was later referred to a hospital in Jaipur for advanced medical care due to the seriousness of his condition. Doctors are closely monitoring his situation. Meanwhile, police have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and to examine whether any mechanical fault or negligence was involved. Authorities have assured that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly investigated to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.