The car burst into flames around 7.30 pm when the ex-police officer was on his way towards Nashik, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat.

He said Bipin Trimbak Bhosale, Vijay Kisan Chavan and Satish Nana Lahare of his department stopped a passing water tanker and used its water to control the flames. Though the vehicle was charred, they managed to rescue its occupant.

The retired officer, whose name has not been disclosed, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital. Shirsat said the timely action also averted a massive traffic jam on the busy carriageway.

“Without waiting for assistance, the trio demonstrated exceptional presence of mind and decisiveness. Their action prevented chaos on one of the busiest routes in the region,” he added.