A taxi went up in flames after a head-on collision with a mini tempo of the State Reserve Police (SRP) on Chinchpokli bridge around 11am on Wednesday.

The taxi driver, Madukar Aarondakar (62), sustained 18 per cent burns. A passenger in the taxi escaped unhurt.

The driver of the mini tempo, which was on its way to Arthur Road jail, sustained minor injuries.

“Aarondkar said he had been driving throughout the previous night and felt dizzy due to which he lost control of the taxi leading to the mishap,” said Senior Police Inspector P. Gosavi. “He is recuperating at Nair Hospital.”

Aarondkar’s taxi was completely charred in the fire. He was rescued by fire brigade officials. Two fire brigades were summoned to control the fire. It took the firemen around 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered against Aarondkar.