A major accident was averted on the JP Ganga Path, also known as Marine Drive, in Patna on Friday evening. A moving car suddenly caught fire near the Digha roundabout around 6:30 PM. The vehicle belonged to Rambabu Prasad, who works as an Assistant General Manager (AGM) at the Bata Factory. He was driving from his office in Digha towards his home in Vigrahpur when the incident happened. Fortunately, he noticed the smoke in time and managed to step out of the car before the fire spread.
How did the incident happen on the road?
According to the reports, the driver noticed smoke coming out from the engine area while the car was in motion. He acted quickly and pulled the car to the side of the road. Within moments of him exiting the vehicle, it was engulfed in flames. Local people and traffic police present at the spot tried to put out the fire using buckets of water, but the flames were too strong.
The Gandhi Maidan Traffic Police and fire tenders from the Digha area reached the spot quickly. The fire was brought under control within 25 minutes, but the car was completely burnt. Traffic on the Marine Drive route was disrupted for some time due to the blaze. Officials are looking into technical failures like short circuits or engine overheating as possible causes.
Recent vehicle fire incidents in Patna
There has been a worrying increase in vehicles catching fire in and around Patna over the last six months. Police and fire department records show more than 10 such incidents recently. Here is a list of major incidents reported between September 2025 and February 2026:
| Month | Location | Vehicle Details |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | Nehru Path (Bailey Road) | Fire on flyover |
| Jan 2026 | Atal Path | Moving ambulance caught fire |
| Jan 2026 | Near Patna Airport | Private vehicle |
| Dec 2025 | JP Ganga Path | Doctor’s car near PMCH |
| Dec 2025 | Raja Bazar | Parked car caught fire |
| Nov 2025 | NH-20, Nalanda | Moving vehicle |
What are the safety rules for vehicle owners?
The Bihar Transport Department has introduced strict norms to prevent such accidents. Under the new rules effective from January 2026, it is mandatory for commercial and school transport vehicles to carry fire extinguishers and first-aid kits. The department also insists on valid fitness and pollution certificates for all vehicles.
Experts suggest that car owners should avoid unauthorized CNG kit installations and ensure regular maintenance of electrical wiring. The authorities have stated that carrying inflammable substances in passenger vehicles is strictly prohibited and can lead to heavy fines or permit cancellations.
