A routine journey turned into a scene of devastation at the Parwanoo toll plaza in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district when a moving car suddenly erupted in flames, triggering a major fire that gutted the entire toll barrier system.
The incident occurred during peak traffic hours, sending shockwaves through the area as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle first showed signs of trouble while approaching the toll collection point.
Rapid Escalation
What began as a vehicle malfunction quickly escalated into a full-blown emergency. The flames from the car spread with alarming speed, engulfing the nearby toll barrier and associated infrastructure. Within minutes, the entire toll collection system was consumed by the inferno.
Local authorities and fire department units responded promptly to the emergency call. Multiple fire tenders rushed to the scene and battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control.
Infrastructure Damage
The intense fire completely destroyed the toll barrier mechanism and significantly damaged the surrounding toll plaza infrastructure. Preliminary assessments indicate substantial financial losses, though official damage estimates are still being calculated.
Fortunately, despite the scale of the fire and the potential for tragedy, quick thinking by toll plaza staff and prompt evacuation prevented any human casualties. The car occupants managed to escape unharmed before the vehicle was fully engulfed.
Investigation Underway
Police and fire department officials have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Initial speculation points to a possible electrical short circuit or engine malfunction as potential triggers for the devastating incident.
The incident has raised serious questions about fire safety protocols at critical infrastructure points like toll plazas and highlighted the need for enhanced emergency response systems along busy highway corridors.
