April 14, 2008
Minicab explodes into flames
Firefighters are investigating why a car exploded into flames in Hounslow this week.
Two crews from Heston and Twickenham were called to a car park in Hanworth Road after receiving calls at 1.25pm on Tuesday, April 8.
When they arrived at the site, owned by Horizons Bar and Banqueting Hall, a red Chrysler people-carrier was ablaze.
Large plumes of black smoke were seen pouring from the back of the vehicle.
Charles Ochola, 26, manager of nearby Barber Juice, said: "I rushed outside with some of my staff and we could see a lot of smoke coming out of the car.
"People were crowding around while the firefighters were trying to control the fire."
t“I followed them to the car park and saw my car on fire. It is my livehood; I am devastated.”
Minicab driver and owner of the car, Victor Najjar
The team of nine officers used one jet and two hose reels to bring the blaze under control.
The owner of the car, Victor Najjar, a minicab driver who lives in Hanworth Road, said: "I was at home when I heard the fire engines.
"I followed them to the car park and saw my car on fire. It is my livehood; I am devastated."
Watch manager Brian Walker, who attended the call, said: "There was a lot of smoke but the fire was put out 20 minutes later.
"The fire has completely gutted the car and there was limited damage to a nearby storage unit."
The fire investigation team are looking at CCTV footage to establish the cause of the blaze.
Filed under London Taxi News by admin
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