India: Container filled with luxury cars catches fire on highway in central India

A catastrophic fire incident unfolded on the Agra-Mumbai National Highway in Madhya Pradesh, leading to the complete destruction of six luxury cars valued at approximately Rs. 1.5 crore. The tragic event occurred near the Puran Khedi Toll Plaza, close to the Lukwasa police outpost in Shivpuri district, as a container transporting the vehicles from Nashik, Maharashtra, to Purnia, Bihar, was engulfed in flames on October 31.

Eyewitness footage showed the truck ablaze, with towering flames consuming the cars rapidly, creating thick plumes of smoke that darkened the sky. The fire was intense and fierce, sending bright flashes and embers into the air while illuminating the vicinity in a menacing glow.

The container’s cargo included four Mahindra Scorpios and two other SUVs, all reduced to ashes despite prompt fire-fighting efforts. The driver, Sawan Khan from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, recounted how he was alerted to the blaze by a fellow truck driver. Although he quickly pulled over and tried to assess the situation, the fire had already spread beyond control. Firefighters, aided by three water tankers, managed to subdue the flames, but not before the entire shipment was lost.

The preliminary investigation by Lukwasa police indicates the fire originated in one of the vehicles within the container. Authorities are now probing further to determine the exact cause behind this devastating incident, which has left a financial loss of Rs. 1.5 crore.