Pathanamthitta, 4 Dec (H.S.):A group of Sabarimala pilgrims from Hyderabad narrowly escaped a major tragedy after the car in which they were travelling caught fire near Pamba Chalakayam in the early hours of Thursday.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. when the pilgrims noticed smoke rising from the front portion of the vehicle. Sensing danger, they quickly jumped out, moments before the car went up in flames. The timely reaction of the passengers helped avert a potentially fatal accident.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle was completely gutted. Fortunately, no one sustained any injuries.

According to preliminary information, the group had landed at Nedumbassery airport and hired a car to travel to Sabarimala. The car caught fire en route, but the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Fire department officials have begun an investigation to identify what triggered the incident.

The quick presence of mind shown by the pilgrims and the prompt response of fire service teams ensured that a potentially disastrous episode ended without casualties.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman