Kurukshetra Thar Fire: New SUV Bought 13 Days Ago Gutted on NH-44, Driver Escapes

September 13, 2026

Kurukshetra: A brand-new black Thar was engulfed in flames on the Delhi-Jammu National Highway-44 in Shahabad, Kurukshetra, leaving the vehicle completely gutted. The SUV had reportedly been purchased just 13 days earlier and had travelled only around 700 kilometres.

The driver, Anshil Agarwal, a resident of Barara in Ambala, managed to save his life by pulling the vehicle over after noticing unusual signs while driving.

Thar Starts Misfiring Before Catching Fire

Anshil Agarwal said the Thar suddenly began misfiring and jerking while it was in motion. Shortly afterwards, the engine warning light came on on the dashboard.

Suspecting a problem with the vehicle, he pulled over near Aman Hotel on the highway to inspect it. As soon as he stepped out and approached the vehicle, smoke started billowing from the engine area.

Within seconds, flames erupted from the bonnet and the fire rapidly spread across the entire vehicle.

Bystanders Try to Extinguish Blaze

People nearby rushed to the spot after seeing the vehicle on fire. Some bystanders attempted to extinguish the flames, but the fire intensified and quickly engulfed the Thar.

The fire department was informed, following which fire tenders from Shahabad and Ambala reached the location.

According to fire station personnel, two fire tenders arrived at around 12 noon and worked to bring the blaze under control. After around half an hour of efforts, the fire was finally extinguished.

However, by then, the Thar had been completely destroyed.

Only Iron Skeleton Left

The fire reduced the vehicle’s body, interior and other components to ashes, leaving behind only its iron skeleton.

The Thar had been purchased on August 31 and had covered only around 700 kilometres before the incident.

Agarwal was travelling from Barara through Shahabad to Ambala Court to cast his vote in the Bar Association elections when the vehicle developed the problem.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle first developed a misfiring problem, followed by the engine warning light coming on, before smoke and flames emerged from the bonnet. The precise cause will be known after further investigation.