Bhatkal: An electric scooter caught fire while traveling on Bhatkal's main road, resulting in the entire wiring and battery burning to ashes. The rider, however, narrowly escaped harm due to his quick thinking and precautionary measures.

Acting on suspicion, the rider quickly parked the scooter to the side of the road, a decision that potentially saved his life.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon on the main road from downtown to Shamsuddin Circle. Nagaraj Moger, the scooter rider, reported that he was traveling from the old bus stand to Shamsuddin Circle via the main road when he felt heat emanating from beneath the seat. Aware of reports regarding electric scooters and cars catching fire unexpectedly, he immediately stopped and parked the scooter roadside. Upon inspecting under the seat, he discovered the battery ablaze. Before the fire could engulf the entire scooter, locals intervened, dousing the battery compartment with water. The fire brigade arrived promptly at the scene and extinguished the fire.

The scooter, a Benling Aura model from the Chinese company Benling, is owned by Nagaraj Moger, a resident of Mundali in the taluk.

This incident adds to a growing list of similar events involving electric scooters and cars, highlighting the importance of caution when using electric vehicles, especially against the backdrop of increasing petrol prices and the rising popularity of electric transportation options.