VALPOI
A Maruti Ritz was destroyed after catching fire on Monday afternoon on the road leading to Saleli Waterfall in the Honda panchayat area of Sattari taluka.
The fire broke out around noon, causing panic among tourists and local residents. The car was parked near the waterfall when smoke was noticed coming from it. Within moments, flames engulfed the vehicle.
The owner, Manjuna Ammana Bhovi of Kajuwada, Karapur, and local residents tried to put out the fire but could not control the blaze.
The Valpoi Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot after receiving information. A team led by Station Officer Dnyaneshwar G Gawas brought the fire under control by around 2 pm using a hose reel.
The vehicle suffered extensive damage, with the loss estimated at around Rs 5 lakh.
Valpoi police also reached the spot and conducted a panchanama. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation under the supervision of Police Inspector Videsh Pilgaonkar.
Preliminary suspicion points to an engine malfunction or electrical short circuit, though the cause has not been confirmed.
Saleli Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and draws many visitors. Several tourists had parked their vehicles by the roadside at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.
