A moving car was gutted in a fire near Sparsh Hospital on the busy Infantry Road close to City Police Commissioner’s office on Saturday morning.

The driver of the car managed to escape on time, averting a major mishap. No casualties were reported.

According to the traffic police, smoke and flames began emanating from the car’s engine around 9.40 a.m. when the vehicle was near the hospital. The driver immediately stepped out, while people in the vicinity tried to douse the flames.

However, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed the vehicle, leaving it severely damaged.

Fire and emergency services personnel rushed to the spot and assessed the situation. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be established. Officials are examining whether a battery malfunction, short circuit or another technical fault triggered the fire.