A Volvo burst into flames, severely damaging the vehicle on Thursday, but the passengers, including two children, were safe after escaping.

Highway police reported that a Volvo XC60 SUV caught fire on the outbound direction of M81 about 10.40am.

The fire was followed by an explosion that damaged the car after which firefighters took about 30 minutes to put out.

The incident took place amid mounting discontent of Volvo EX30 model owners after two cars caught fire earlier this month.

The EX30 is an electric vehicle, while the XC60 is a plug-in hybrid version, powered by either electricity or gasoline.

The latest incident took place when a family was in the XC60, with the man driving, his wife by his side and their two children seated in the back. 

The man told police he noticed a yellow dashboard warning light and shortly after, he and his wife saw smoke coming from the hood, followed by a burning smell and a fire underneath the car.

The driver said he and his wife hurriedly exited the car with the children and escaped before they heard an explosion. Both adults were slightly injured by the flames.

M81 is a motorway linking Nonthaburi and Kanchanaburi.