Scribe's luxury sedan catches fire

A Skoda Octavia car belonging to a senior journalist with Hindustan Times - Sonal Kalra - caught fire on Sunday evening. The car, bought less than three years ago, did not have any CNG or LPG kit installed in it.

A Skoda Octavia car belonging to a senior journalist with Hindustan Times - Sonal Kalra - caught fire on Sunday evening. The car, bought less than three years ago, did not have any CNG or LPG kit installed in it.

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The incident happened at Rajouri Apartments in Rajouri Garden area of west Delhi. Police and the Fire Department were immediately called to the spot but by then, the car had been reduced to ashes.

The car's owner, Sandhir Kalra, had just parked it and stepped out when he noticed smoke inside.

"As soon as I got down and was about to lock it, I noticed smoke inside the car. Within seconds, there were flames all over?" he said.

Kalra added that it was shocking as it was a diesel car and no CNG kit had been installed. It is popularly believed that only CNG-fitted cars catch fire. "Our car was practically new and well-maintained. I cannot fathom why a luxury car from such a reputed brand caught fire," he added.

Skoda Auto, on their part, said they would look into the matter. "This is an unfortunate incident and we will investigate the matter at the earliest. We will also help the customer in all respects," said a Skoda Auto spokesperson.