Rs 50 Lakh Electric Mercedes Car Erupts In Flames: UK Family Escapes 'Bomb-Like' Explosion
The cause of the fire remains unclear, but it occurred while the car's battery was charging. Firefighters from Eastleigh, Redbridge, and St Mary's responded quickly after multiple 999 calls were made reporting the blaze, as per the newsportal. Fortunately, no one was injured, although the family had to evacuate their home.
Scott, 47, said he and Georgina were baffled about the cause of the fire which engulfed their car as the battery was charging.
"We were watching TV, and suddenly there was a popping sound. My son thought someone was letting off fireworks, but then there was a very loud bang like a bomb going off. There were flames everywhere," said Scott.
"The pace and ferocity at which the fire took hold and engulfed the entire car and pretty much the entire front of our house was scary beyond belief."
According to the New York Post,"The family managed to scramble out of the house while Scott tried to put the blaze out with a hosepipe while waiting for the fire service to arrive. One theory is the car, which they bought in 2022, entered a 'thermal runaway', when the battery uncontrollably overheats and is not able to cool down."
Scott, who works in food manufacturing, added: "We don't know for sure what's happened, but based on knowledge and video footage, it looks like the car went into some thermal runaway.
A neighbour described the terrifying scene: "I was probably the last to hear about it on the block. The fire was going when I got up, and the house was beginning to catch. Flames were coming out the door and window. I was frightened for the young family."
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News18
17 minutes ago
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How Harshvardhan Jain, ‘Ambassador Of Westarctica', Became The Ultimate Con Star Of Ghaziabad
Last Updated: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), which arrested Harshvardhan Jain, said he was running a full-fledged fake 'consulate' from his bungalow Who is Harshvardhan Jain? Until Tuesday, most people — even in his own Ghaziabad neighbourhood — barely knew. But now, the man who styled himself as a diplomat of fictitious nations and flaunted morphed photos with India's most powerful leaders, stands exposed as the mastermind behind one of the most audacious cons in recent memory: a fake embassy of 'Westarctica' operating from a rented home in Kavi Nagar. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), which arrested Jain on Tuesday, said he was running a full-fledged 'consulate" from his bungalow, complete with diplomatic number plates, forged Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) documents, fake passports of non-existent countries, and even bogus press credentials. 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The search also led to the discovery of forged documents bearing the seal of the MEA, 34 rubber stamps of foreign countries and reputed companies, two fake PAN cards, two bogus press credentials, and company records believed to be part of shell firms used in money laundering. According to officers, Jain had meticulously created the illusion of a legitimate diplomatic mission, complete with national flags, official-looking insignias, and even an office setup to mislead visitors and potential clients. How was illusion of Westarctica created? Jain's most elaborate hoax was his association with Westarctica — a self-declared micronation founded in 2001 by a former US Navy officer claiming a slice of unclaimed Antarctic land. Despite having no legal recognition, Westarctica maintains an online presence, and even its official Instagram handle had recently described Jain as 'Baron HV Jain," running the Consulate-General of Westarctica in New Delhi since 2017. 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Back in 2011, he was arrested after an illegal satellite phone was recovered from him — a serious offence under Indian law. That case, registered at the same Kavi Nagar police station, is still pending. Investigators also claim that Jain had previously been associated with controversial godman Chandraswami and international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, raising red flags about his past affiliations and the possible international links of his fraud. 'Whether or not he had actual links with these figures, the fact that he leveraged those names shows how calculated he was," said an STF official. What makes a real embassy? In light of the bust, police officials clarified what a legitimate embassy or consulate entails. 'A diplomatic mission is set up by a recognised government to represent its political, economic, and consular interests in another sovereign country," said ADG Yash. 'They issue visas, assist nationals, promote bilateral trade, and maintain international relations. Jain's operation had no such authority." STF officials are now examining whether Jain had accomplices in India or abroad, and how many people he may have defrauded. They're also reviewing his digital footprint, especially social media handles that helped him project credibility. 'People assume what they see online is real — Jain weaponised that assumption," said an officer involved in the probe. Has an FIR been lodged? top videos View all An FIR has been lodged at the Kavi Nagar police station under sections related to forgery, impersonation, cheating, and violating the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act. Jain remains in custody, and investigations are ongoing. 'His so-called embassy may be gone," said an STF officer, 'but we're still uncovering just how far this diplomatic fraud stretched." Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : news18 specials view comments Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 17:17 IST News india How Harshvardhan Jain, 'Ambassador Of Westarctica', Became The Ultimate Con Star Of Ghaziabad Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
