Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur

Puttur, Jan 19: A car was gutted in a fire following an electric short circuit caused by a gas balloon coming into contact with an electric wire at Padumale near the Sri Poomani–Kinnimani and Vyaghra Chamundi Daivasthana at Maindinadka of Badagannur gram panchayat on Sunday January 18.

The incident occurred while the daivasthana jatra mahotsava was in progress. The car had been parked near an electric pole in the temple premises. At that time, a gas balloon from the nearby fair reportedly flew due to the wind and touched the electric wire.

As soon as the balloon came into contact with the electric line, a short circuit occurred and sparks flew, hitting the car parked a short distance away. Within moments, the car caught fire. Amid the flames, the car suddenly moved forward and rammed into the electric pole. During this time, the sparks again came into contact with the vehicle, causing it to burst into flames.

Local residents immediately sprang into action and managed to douse the fire. The car was partially gutted in the incident. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported.