Bhatkal: Two persons were charred to death after the car they were travelling in was engulfed in flames near the Gerusoppa–Sullemurki cross in Honnavar taluk of Uttara Kannada district, about 70 km from Bhatkal.

According to preliminary information, the car caught fire, resulting in the death of both occupants, who were burnt alive. The vehicle and the bodies of the victims were completely charred, leaving them in an unidentifiable condition.

Police suspect that the car may have rammed into a tree and fallen into a nearby ditch, following which it caught fire.

Due to the intensity of the blaze, the vehicle’s number plate was also completely burnt, making it difficult to ascertain the registration details.

Upon receiving information, Honnavar Police and Fire Brigade teams rushed to the spot, extinguished the fire, and carried out an on-site inspection.

Police said efforts are currently underway to identify the vehicle and the deceased, while further details related to the incident are being collected. The exact cause of the incident and its background will be known only after a detailed investigation.