Man dies in car fire in Thiruvananthapuram

A man from Kottayam died early Monday morning after the car he was travelling in caught fire at Venganoor in Thiruvananthapuram, according to reports from Malayala Manorama and The Hindu. The incident occurred around 5:30 am.

The deceased has been identified as Titus Kurian, a resident of Ettumanoor in Kottayam district. Police identified the vehicle from its registration details and contacted Titus's relatives, who confirmed he had left his home in Kottayam during the night. His relatives are on their way to Thiruvananthapuram, as reported by Malayala Manorama.

Police said smoke was noticed coming from the car while Titus was driving. The vehicle soon caught fire and was engulfed in flames. According to The Hindu, Titus is believed to have left his home in Ettumanoor late Sunday and was heading towards Thiruvananthapuram in his car. The Hindu also reported that a family dispute had allegedly taken place in his home prior to his journey.

Witnesses and nearby residents rushed to the spot after hearing the car's siren or burglar alarm. Some people stopped their motorcycles and attempted to break open the rear door to rescue the driver, but the intense flames made their efforts futile. The Hindu reported that the driver attempted to move the car towards the side of the road, but the vehicle came into contact with nearby tree branches, spreading the fire to roadside vegetation.

By the time police and fire and rescue personnel arrived, the car had been completely charred. The body inside the vehicle was burnt beyond recognition and was not immediately identifiable.

The police have launched an investigation. Malayala Manorama reported that police are investigating whether the incident involved suspicious circumstances or was caused by a technical fault in the vehicle. The Hindu reported that the police have not ruled out the possibility of suicide.

Forensic experts and Motor Vehicle Department officials examined the car and the scene. According to the Venganoor police, as reported by Malayala Manorama, the exact cause of the fire and death will be established after the forensic examination and post-mortem. The body has been taken to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College after preliminary inquest.

An FIR has been registered under section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which outlines the police procedure for inquiring and reporting on unnatural or suspicious deaths, such as suicides, homicides, or fatal accidents.