IPOH: A man had a terrifying experience when fireworks ignited a fire in the car he was driving at a traffic light junction in Bukit Permata, Lumut, yesterday.

Manjung police chief Hasbullah Abd Rahman said the fire, which broke out at around 5.30pm, is believed to have been caused by an explosion of firecrackers stored in the boot of the Proton Gen-2 car.

"Investigations revealed that prior to the fire, the vehicle had sustained some damage. When the driver attempted to restart the car, he noticed smoke emerging from the rear tyre area, which soon ignited into flames.

"The driver also said that he had stored fireworks in the boot for use during the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations," he said in a statement today.

He urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the operations room at the Manjung District Police Headquarters (IPD) at 05-688 6222.

Earlier, a video of the fire went viral on social media, showing the car ablaze with explosions and smoke, believed to be from the firecrackers.