Car catches fire during illegal refilling of LPG in gas tank

Pilibhit: An Eeco car caught fire late Tuesday after its owner allegedly attempted to illegally refill the vehicle's gas tank using a domestic LPG cylinder in Pilibhit's Jatipur village. The blaze quickly spread, reducing an adjacent thatched house and household belongings to ashes. Police on Wednesday said fire tenders prevented a potential explosion from the LPG cylinder and the car's gas tank, which had also been installed in an unauthorised manner.

"The matter has been referred to the district magistrate for permission to lodge an FIR, as it involves violations of the Essential Commodities Act and the Explosive Rules," said Brijveer Singh, SHO of Gajraula police station. The LPG cylinder has been seized and placed in the custody of a licensed dealer in nearby Khag Sarai, pending court orders. Police are also trying to identify the car technician responsible for fitting the illegal gas tank.