Ludhiana: A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Sunday morning after a fire that reportedly started in a garbage dump spread to a parked CNG-powered Maruti Ertiga near the open drain in New Shivaji Nagar, opposite the Transport Nagar cut in Ludhiana. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the blaze, while thick plumes of smoke and towering flames triggered panic among nearby residents.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. However, locals have raised serious concerns over the recurring practice of burning garbage in the area and demanded immediate action from the civic authorities.

Fire spreads from garbage dump to parked CNG car

According to eyewitnesses, an unidentified person allegedly set fire to a pile of garbage near the roadside drain. The flames quickly spread to the nearby parked CNG-powered Ertiga, causing the fire to intensify within minutes.

The burning vehicle produced dense black smoke that was visible from several metres away, drawing a large crowd and creating panic in the locality. Residents feared a possible explosion due to the CNG fuel system installed in the vehicle.

Passersby initially attempted to extinguish the flames using available resources but failed as the fire spread rapidly.

Fire brigade controls blaze after 45 minutes

After receiving information, the fire brigade rushed two fire tenders to the spot. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 45 minutes before bringing it under control.

By the time the fire was extinguished, the Maruti Ertiga had been completely gutted, with most parts of the vehicle reduced to ashes. Authorities are yet to ascertain the identity of the vehicle’s owner.

Police and officials from the concerned departments reached the spot and have begun collecting information to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Residents demand removal of garbage dump

Following the incident, local residents demanded the immediate removal of the garbage dumping site located near the drain. They alleged that garbage is dumped and set on fire almost every day, posing a serious threat to public safety.

Residents warned that if the dumping site is not cleared and strict action is not taken against those burning waste, similar incidents could result in significant loss of life and property in the future.

Videos of the burning CNG vehicle, recorded by bystanders, have gone viral on social media, highlighting the scale of the fire and reigniting concerns over waste management and fire safety in the area.