108-ambulance catches fire near Aravakurichi, patient, crew safe

Sources said Kumaresan (50), a resident of Pallapatti, fell ill following which his family members alerted the 108- ambulance service. On receiving information, a medical team picked up Kumaresan from his residence and took him to the local government hospital. Kumaresan was accompanied by a few of his relatives.

When the ambulance was nearing Kumaranvalasu, its driver noticed smoke emanating from the engine. He immediately stopped the vehicle and helped the crew shift Kumaresan and his family to a nearby temple. All the occupants got down before the fire engulfed the vehicle. On receiving information, the fire and rescue service personnel from Aravakurichi rushed to the spot. Though they managed to douse the fire in 15 minutes, the entire vehicle was damaged in the incident.

Preliminary inquiries by the police found that the driver had failed to maintain the radiator in optimum condition. Radiators are heat exchangers used for cooling internal combustion engines in automobiles.

However, the police have registered a case and are carrying out a detailed investigation into the incident.