AN ABERYSTWYTH war veteran came across a car which burst into flames and was destroyed near Dyfi Bridge, Machynlleth.

The gold-coloured Fiat Punto caught fire while stopped at the junction between the A493 Aberdyfi road and the A487.

It is understood the fire was caused by a faulty starter motor and the female driver had a lucky escape.

Sean Langton, of Aberystwyth, said he was “passing by” when the incident happened and took this dramatic photograph.

“The young woman whose car it was was visibly shaken, but even so she was more concerned about the houses and local people than herself or her car,” he said.

Fire crews from Machynlleth were called and “had the fire under control within minutes,” Sean added.

No-one was injured in the incident which occured at 2.20pm on Friday, 18 March. The junction was closed for around half an hour.

A Fire Service spokesperson said: “On Friday at 2.26pm firefighters from Machynlleth attended a car fire on the Machynlleth to Aberdyfi road. One vehicle was well alight upon the arrival of firefighters, which they combated using two hose reel Jets.

“The vehicle was completely destroyed as a result of the fire. Police also attended.”