Car catches fire in Dhaka's Hatirjheel

Two firefighting units have engaged in efforts to douse a fire engulfing a car in Dhaka's Hatirjheel.

The incident was reported around 12:25pm on Tuesday near the Hatirjheel Metropolitan Bridge, according to Rashed Bin Khaled, duty officer at the Fire Service Control Room.

The two units were immediately dispatched but were delayed in reaching the scene due to traffic congestion, he said.

As of 1:30pm, both units were still working to contain the fire.

"We were on duty under the bridge when we suddenly heard a loud noise and saw the car catch fire. We approached the driver, who explained that there was an issue with the gearbox," said Sub-Inspector Jamadul Islam of Hatirjheel Police Station.

"Witnesses said the car was struggling to go uphill when the loud noise rang out and the fire started. The Fire Service arrived shortly after and began working to control the flames."

Despite the car being severely damaged, the occupants were unharmed.

"The car belongs to Harun Ar Rashid, a resident of Gulshan. At the time of the incident, both the owner and driver were in the car, but they are both unharmed," said Jamadul.