Blinding white, burning magnesium, fuel leaking across a residential road, and exploding airbags greeted firefighters who were called to extinguish a car fire in Tattenham Corner last night.
The car – a Peugeot 207 – was fully engulfed by flames by the time firefighters from Epsom fire station were called to the blaze in Tattenham Crescent at 11.50pm.
Tattenham Crescent. Pic credit: Google Maps
Fuel leaked out of the car’s ruptured fuel tank and caught fire and the car’s airbags exploded during the blaze.
The crew closed the road off while two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire.
A spokesman from Epsom fire station said witnesses heard what they believed was an explosion before phoning emergency services.
He added that the crew believed the fire was suspicious and that Surrey Police had been notified.
The spokesman said: “We had to close the road off because the airbags were exploding and the fuel tank ruptured and started running out the bottom of the car. (Burning fuel) is hard to extinguish.
“There was also burning magnesium. There was a very, very white glow and it fizzes.”
A fire investigation is being carried out.
A spokeswoman for Surrey Police said: "Police believe the fire may have been started deliberately."
To offer information, call the force on 101, quoting crime reference number 45160076554.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here