Driver Dies After CNG Car Catches Fire in Barabanki
A 45-year-old driver died after his Tata Tiago CNG caught fire in Barabanki. Police suspect automatic door locks prevented his escape.
A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, as a 45-year-old driver lost his life when his CNG-powered vehicle was completely consumed by flames. The victim, identified as Pradeep Kumar, was caught in the blaze while returning home after completing a trip.
Tragedy Near Pyarepur
The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Safdarganj police station. Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Pyarepur, was driving his Tata Tiago CNG—a vehicle he had purchased only about four months ago—after dropping passengers at the Lucknow Airport. Around 1:30 a.m., just two kilometers away from his residence, the car suddenly erupted into fire.
The vehicle was discovered in a charred state by passersby at approximately 6:00 a.m. Upon seeing the wreckage, locals immediately alerted the fire department and the local police. By the time emergency services arrived, the car had been gutted by the intense heat.
The Fatal Trap: Automatic Locks Suspected
As investigators combed through the remains of the vehicle, a chilling detail emerged regarding why the driver could not escape. Safdarganj Station House Officer Ajay Prakash Tripathi stated that preliminary findings suggest a mechanical failure or a specific feature may have turned the car into a death trap.
"Preliminary investigations suggest the car's doors locked automatically after the fire started, preventing the driver from escaping," the SHO noted. This technical complication appears to have trapped Kumar inside the cabin as the flames spread rapidly.
Investigation and Family Grief
Forensic teams have been deployed to the site to collect evidence and determine the exact technical cause of the fire. While the presence of CNG is being scrutinized, the police are waiting for the final forensic report to confirm whether it was a gas leak or an electrical short circuit that triggered the blaze.
The tragedy has left a family devastated. Pradeep Kumar, who worked for the health department and occasionally transported passengers, had spoken to his family shortly before the accident, telling them he would be arriving home late. He is survived by his wife, Radha, and his daughters. His brother, Lavkush Verma, confirmed that the last communication with Pradeep was normal, making the sudden loss even more traumatic for the family.
Human remains recovered from the wreckage have been sent for legal procedures, and the police have assured that the official cause of the fire will be clarified once the investigation is complete.