VADODARA: A builder was charred to death as his SUV got engulfed in flames at Ankodiya-Sevasi Road on Tuesday noon.The victim Mihir Panchal (41), had left his home at Greenwoods Antica Society on Sevasi Road near city saying that he was going for a visit to one of his under-construction site. When Panchal reached a few hundred metres from his house, fire engulfed his car. While the exact source of fire is being investigated, fire officials said that there could have been short-circuit in the car.It was not known who sighted his car first, but reliable sources said that Panchal’s wife was informed about it and she asked Panchal’s staff members to reach there. Even as a small crowd had gathered there and many of them were shooting videos from their phones, the fire department was informed only after Panchal’s staff members reached there.Fire department officials said that when they reached the spot, the entire car was ablaze and they immediately made efforts to douse the fire. However, nobody knew until the fire was brought under control that Panchal was inside the car.“We sighted the body after the fire was almost doused. The forensic experts have collected evidence to ascertain the reason behind the fire so until then nothing can be ruled out,” said fire officer Parth Brahmbhatt of Vadiwadi fire station.Firemen said that the fire quickly spread inside the car as the interiors were of fibre and plastic. “Even though Panchal would have made efforts to get out of the car, he would have been unsuccessful because of high amount of carbon monoxide inside,” said a fire official.Cops too have initiated probe in the incident. “We have registered a case of accidental death. We will check call details records of deceased and question all persons with whom he had been in touch,” said B D Jadeja, sub-inspector, Vadodara taluka police station.Panchal is survived by his wife and twin sons, who study in class XI.

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