Hybrid car burns out in Carinthia as crews protect farm building

A hybrid car was completely destroyed by fire overnight in St. Stefan im Gailtal, a locality in Hermagor district, while firefighters stopped the flames from reaching a neighbouring farm building, ORF reported. Nobody was injured.

The vehicle appears to have caught fire on its own at about 11.45 p.m. on Saturday for reasons that remain unclear. A passing motorist noticed smoke and called emergency services. A police patrol was sent to the scene at about 12.15 a.m.

The car was a total loss. The farm building also sustained damage, the extent of which is not yet known.

Because it was a hybrid vehicle, a specialist company moved the car into a water-filled container to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and prevent it from reigniting.

Police and seven volunteer fire brigades responded, with 10 vehicles and about 70 emergency personnel.