Chalakudy: A couple from Muringoor, Thrissur, waited for 18 long years for parenthood, and they recently welcomed twins. But while returning home from the hospital just eight days after their birth, the family underwent a terrifying incident, one that would have ended in tragedy if their luck had not been in favour.

The car, which was carrying the newborns, their parents Saji and Baby, and other family members home, suddenly caught fire on the way. It was near the roadside where another broken-down car was parked, and the people from that car noticed flames and warned Saji and his family about the fire through gestures. At first, Saji didn’t understand what was being indicated, but moments later, he noticed smoke and fire coming from the car's bonnet. Panicking, Saji tried to stop the car, but due to a battery malfunction, the central locking system failed, and the doors didn’t open. For a moment, fear completely took over. Luckily, the driver's side door was still accessible by hand. Once that was done, Saji managed to open the other doors.

Inside the car were his wife Baby, his mother Sulekha, and a neighbour named Lalitha. He quickly helped them out of the vehicle. Just moments later, the entire car went up in flames.

Since Saji’s car was a small one, a friend had arranged for this alternate vehicle to help bring his wife and the newborns home from the hospital. The incident occurred around 8 PM on Thursday night. The car was being driven by a friend, and it was completely destroyed in the fire.