Once again Barkur witnessed another mishap as another Maruthi Omni went into flames. Today morning at around 11.30, the Omni driven by Micheal Mascarenhas was in the process of reversing at Shubha Poojarthi's premises at Shedigudde, opposite Fort, charred as the gas cylinder in it exploded.
Luckily major disaster was averted as local people ran into the scene and successfully doused the fire off without spreading to the house itself. Fire Engine from Udupi also arrived at the scene and Officials from Brahmavar Police station were on the investigations.
The explosion was so power full that it made a huge sound creating panic. It was said that the smoke was visible even from distant Bennekudru. It mat be recalled here that this is the second such incident within a span of few months as one more Maruthi Omni caught fire near the Fuel Station near Kalchapra few months back, raising concerns for the safety of converted gas powered vehicles.