Puri, Dec 28: A CNG-powered car caught fire on the Puri–Satapada State Highway 316 on Sunday evening near Dahikhia, triggering panic among commuters, a source said.

All occupants of the vehicle, tourists from Odisha’s Angul district, escaped unhurt, the source added.

According to police and fire service officials, the car was returning from Satapada, a popular tourist spot near Chilika Lake, when flames suddenly engulfed the vehicle. Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly, prompting the driver and passengers to abandon the car and move to safety.

Fire services were alerted soon after the incident and reached the spot with firefighting equipment. The blaze was brought under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles or structures. No injuries were reported.

Authorities said traffic on the highway was briefly affected during the firefighting operation, but was restored once the situation was brought under control.

Officials confirmed that all tourists travelling in the vehicle are safe. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and further examination of the vehicle is underway.

Police said necessary assistance was provided to the affected passengers, and standard procedures are being followed to assess the incident.

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How to Ensure Fire Safety on CNG Vehicles
To ensure safety from fire mishaps or blasts in CNG-powered cars: Install only authorised, factory-fitted or BIS-approved kits. Get cylinders hydro-tested every 3 years and serviced regularly at authorised centres. Avoid overfilling, especially in summer; check for leaks by smell. No smoking, mobile use during refuelling, or carrying flammables. Try to park the vehicle in shade.