An Asda car wash has been engulfed in thick black smoke after a BMW burst into flames.
Shocked onlookers watched in horror as the scene unfolded before their eyes at the Hampshire branch in Eastleigh, Hampshire this morning.
Emergency services were summoned to the abandoned vehicle, which was soon surrounded by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackling the blaze at around 8.30am.
Asda employees have put out a trail of paper towels around the car to soak some of the petrol which had been spilled.
Asda employees have put out a trail of paper towels around the car to soak some of the petrol which had been spilled (stock pic)
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After the fire was put out, the car’s bonnet was found to have been warped by the exceedingly high temperatures.
A spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: "Eastleigh firefighters were alerted to a car fire at a car wash on Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford at 8:23 this morning.
"The fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle was extinguished by firefighters in breathing apparatus using hose reel jets.
"The vehicle suffered approximately 50 per cent damage.
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"Romsey’s Environmental Protection Unit also attended to help clear up a fuel spillage.
"The crew handed the scene over to onsite security staff, before returning to station at around 10am."
The car wash is now operating and serving its customers as usual.
The shocking scenes occurred just hours after a horror crash took place nearby along the A14 eastbound at Horningsea, Cambridge at 9.25pm yesterday evening.
Significant delays plagued the road for hours after the collision
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After the multivehicle crash, one passenger died while three others sustained serious injuries.
The road was still cordoned off this morning.
Cambridgeshire Police has since arrested a 38-year-old lorry driver.
He was later detained on suspicion of causing death as well as serious injury by dangerous driving and remains in custody.
