Kia Car Catches Fire in Morbi: Businessman Dies, Valuables Including ₹5 Lakh, Gun Safe

Ajay Gopani, a ceramic businessman from Morbi, was tragically burned to death when his Kia car suddenly caught fire. He was passing by Lilapar Canal Road when, due to a technical issue, the car caught fire. Within moments, the entire car was engulfed in flames. The car doors locked as the fire started, preventing him from escaping, leading to his death at the scene.

Kia Car Catches Fire

Ajay Nanji Gopani (39), a resident of Ravapar in Morbi and owner of Expert Ceramic near Morbi, was driving his Kia car (registration number GJ 36 AC 4971) along Lilapar Canal Road at around 1:00 PM when the car caught fire for unknown reasons.

Cash, Gun, Watches, and Phones Found in the Car

Upon learning about the fire, Morbi Municipality’s fire department immediately sent a firefighting team to the scene, dousing the flames. Morbi A-Division police were informed, and they registered a case and initiated further investigation.

MLA Durlabhji Detharia Arrives at the Scene

According to local sources, Tankara-Paddhari MLA Durlabhji Detharia was informed of the incident and rushed to the scene. The police have begun investigating the route the young man was taking and where he was headed with the car.

Body Retrieved After the Fire Was Controlled

Fire Officer Devendrasinh Jadeja from Morbi Municipality stated that the young man died due to the fire, and once the fire was controlled, his body was retrieved from the car. A bag was found inside the car containing ₹5 lakh cash, a pistol, eight mobile phones, and a watch. These items were handed over to the deceased’s family in the presence of the police.

Essential Safety Tools for Your Car

• Hammer: Helps break the car window in case of emergencies.
• Scissors: Can be used to cut the seat belt if it gets locked.
• Fire Extinguisher: Useful for controlling small fires in the car.

Car Maintenance Tips to Prevent Fires

• Regularly change oil filters, engine coolant, and engine oil.
• Avoid using unnecessary electrical devices as they can overload the battery.
• Get CNG fittings and tests done only at authorized centers.
• Excessive car modifications can increase the risk of technical faults.
• If the car feels like it’s overheating, pull over and allow it to cool down.

When Can a Car Catch Fire?

• Loose battery terminals can cause short circuits.
• Lack of battery maintenance can lead to water or acid leaks, also causing short circuits.
• Improper wiring during the installation of external devices like central locking, audio systems, cameras, horns, or headlights can lead to short circuits.
• Flammable items like perfumes stored in the car can also cause fires due to vapor formation.
• Smoking near the car can increase the risk of a fire.

Warning Signs Before a Car Fire

Fires never occur suddenly; there are often warning signs such as:

• The smell of burning wires if a short circuit happens.
• Sudden smoke emission.
• Difficulty in driving the car.
• Visible sparks.
  If any of these occur, turn off the car, exit immediately, and call a mechanic to inspect the vehicle.

Important Precautions to Prevent Fires

• Ensure annual battery maintenance for your car.
• Even if the car has an auto-maintenance battery, have it checked every 6 to 8 months.
• If the car malfunctions and the door doesn’t open, break the window and exit immediately.
• Don’t sit inside waiting for a mechanic; exit the car as soon as possible.