SHILLONG: A routine afternoon commute in Shillong took a dramatic turn on Thursday after a Mahindra Bolero assigned to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Security) suddenly caught fire near the Civil Hospital junction, triggering panic among commuters and pedestrians.
The incident occurred at around 12:30 PM, when the vehicle bearing registration number ML 05 Z 0515, driven by Dominic Nongkrem, was returning from the ongoing Assembly session.
According to eyewitnesses, thick black smoke began billowing from the vehicle’s hood while it was still in motion. Within moments, a loud blast was heard from the engine compartment, followed by flames rapidly engulfing the vehicle.
Despite the intensity of the blaze, no injuries or casualties were reported. The driver acted swiftly and managed to exit the vehicle safely before the fire spread.
Police personnel immediately rushed to the spot, cordoned off the area, and regulated traffic at the busy junction to prevent further disruption. Fire responders quickly brought the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles and the Civil Hospital premises.
The vehicle, however, sustained extensive structural damage. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire, with preliminary suspicion pointing toward a possible mechanical or electrical failure.
