Audi R8 worth Rs 1.8 crore goes up in flames on Bandra-Worli Sea Link

In perhaps the first-of-its-kind incident in the city, Audi R8, a luxury sports car worth around Rs 1.8 crore, mysteriously caught fire near the Worli end of Bandra-Worli Sea Link around 12.20 pm Sunday.

The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes but not before the silver model was reduced to a heap of rubber and metal with no trace of its roof, windows and the windshield.

Worli police officers said car owner Bhavesh Thakkar, a south Mumbai businessman, was in the driver's seat and another man in the passenger seat. The accident obstructed traffic and the Parx Super Car show organised by Super Car Club on the sea link.

Thakkar and the co-passenger were rescued by car show participants.

"The fire brigade received a call around 12.30 pm. Two fire engines were rushed and the fire was doused. No one was injured," said a senior fire officer.

Senior inspector Deepak Pawar said Worli police did not register a case as no foul play was suspected.

Witness Trimurti Zaveri said: "The car stopped at the exit signal of the sea link in Worli. The driver was revving up when suddenly smoke started coming out of the rear of the car where its engine is positioned. While the car occupants got out with some help, people started to run in anticipation of an explosion. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the car was burnt."

Super Car Club chairman and Raymond CMD Gautam Singhania helped in the rescue.

"Today had a unique opportunity to save an unknown hapless driver out of an Audi R8 which caught fire on Sea Link, along with my SCC members," he tweeted.

An Audi India spokesperson said: "We have been informed about the unfortunate incident and are deeply concerned about it. We are relieved to know the driver is unhurt. The car was not an official entry to the Supercar club weekend and initial reports indicate it had been modified. However, we will investigate the matter further to understand the possible reasons for the incident."

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