A FIRE has destroyed a car in Hankridge, Taunton today affecting two people and a dog.
The car was driven by a local man, Anthony Atveo, who was accompanied by his partner and their dog.
Anthony, who lives in Ruishton near Taunton, was on the way to his final camping getaway of the season with his partner as they set off to Minehead today (November 29).
After he started driving towards the motorway, at around 1:30pm he noticed smoke coming from the back of the car on Heron Gate.
Quickly responding, Anthony and his partner jumped out of the vehicle, first letting their dog out of the car.
"We jumped out and made sure we got the dog out quick," said Anthony. "I knew something was up."
Anthony then tried to detach the caravan but came across some difficulties.
He added: "I couldn't detach the tow hitch, it took three of us to get it undone before pushing the caravan back.
"As soon as we pushed the caravan back the car had fully ignited and there was a lot of smoke."
Anthony is unsure what started the fire but it is believed to be an issue regarding a leak in the fuel system or an electrical fault.
Speaking after the fire, he told County Gazette that he had lost some of his possessions in the blaze.
"No major things have been lost in the fire today. In total, I lost my coat, some hiking boots, and some other stuff in the boot.
"I am gutted as I had my phone in there and now that's gone - but the main thing is the dog is safe and that my partner and I are okay."
In total, two fire engines were in attendance along with multiple police cars that closed off Heron Gate Road to deal with the incident.
Taunton Fire Station and the Avon and Somerset Police have been approached for more details of the incident.
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