A Moray couple have relived the terrifying moment their family car caught fire and burned to cinders in their driveway.
Nicola Johnston and Duncan Nicoll had to flee their home in Keith in fear that their flaming Vauxhall Zafira could explode.
The drama unfolded on Saturday morning when Mr Nicoll was defrosting the vehicle in the couple’s drive on Banff Road.
Its heating system reached dangerous temperatures and, within minutes, it was reduced to a blackened wreckage.
Last night, the couple said they were just relieved no one was hurt and that the incident took place while the car was stationary.
“My kids could have been in there, and that’s the thought that keeps coming back to me every time I look at it,” said Ms Johnston.
Last night, a spokesman for Vauxhall Motors said that parts of the heating and ventilation system had been “improperly repaired” by companies working on the car firm’s behalf.
Vauxhall Zafiras nationwide have been recalled after manufacturers discovered similar problems occurring throughout the UK. Chairman Rory Harvey said: “Safety is our priority and we have been working tirelessly in the past weeks to find the root cause and contact owners to explain the situation.”
Ms Johnston said the ordeal was terrifying.
“Lots of smoke very quickly started pouring from the car, and within four minutes it was completely engulfed in flames,” she said.
“It’s one of those things you never think will happen to you – it came as a major shock.
“When firefighters told us to get out to the front in case it exploded I really panicked. That was one of my biggest fears.”
Mr Nicoll added: “We removed the other vehicles from the driveway while the fire service was called, but within minutes the entire car was alight.
“Between Nicola and myself, we have four children and use this vehicle on a regular basis when we are all together.
“It doesn’t bear thinking what could have been if we were all away in the car when this happened.”