We can’t be responsible for car blaze, says dealer

struck the underside of the car causing the sump pan to fall off, resulting in oil leaking down to the exhaust pipe and igniting.

In a statement to the Examiner Chris Loft, dealer principal at Mercedes-Benz of Huddersfield, said: “As the independent engineer’s report confirmed, no mechanical fault has been found on the car, and they concluded that the fire is likely to have been caused by road debris damaging the underside of the vehicle.

“We understand that this is a frustrating situation for Mr Lofthouse, and on hearing of the fire we recovered the vehicle, provided a courtesy car and arranged for the independent forensic report, all at no cost to Mr Lofthouse.

“A copy of the report was provided to both Mr Lofthouse and his insurance provider to help him reclaim the cost of the vehicle.”