Family’s car burst into flames in a safari’s lion enclosure

Car catastrophe terrified family.

A terrified family were forced to flee from their car when it caught fire in the lion enclosure at Longleat Safari Park.

Rangers at the Wiltshire park rushed to rescue the female driver and her two children when smoke began billowing from their engine.

Mere minutes later the people carrier erupted in flames.

Visitor George Lear, who saw the drama unfold, said: “The lions just kept their distance but they were reluctant on moving away as they looked interested.”

He added: “The car slowly caught fire and then the whole thing went up leaving the place filled with black smoke.”

It is believe the car overheated while travelling through the popular attraction on Friday afternoon.

Park spokesman Kevin Ashley said the lions were cleared from the enclosure and the park was closed.

He said the fire was put out and no visitors or animals were hurt.