Malappuram (Keralam) | A car was completely gutted in a fire near the Vettichira toll plaza here, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred around 10.30 pm on Thursday when the car coming from Ernakulam towards Kondotty caught fire shortly after crossing the toll plaza.

The driver noticed flames on the vehicle's bonnet. He and his family members immediately got out of the vehicle, averting a major accident, officials said.

Toll plaza staff tried to douse the flames but could not bring the fire under control.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Tirur later arrived and extinguished the blaze.

The car was completely gutted in the incident. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said.