A String of Car Fires on the Road
A recent incident involving a Mazda3 car catching fire on Tran Phu Street, at the intersection with Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street in Ha Tinh city, Ha Tinh province, has captured the attention of the community.
Notably, the Mazda3 had been left at the Ha Tinh Mazda dealership since May 31 for repairs after experiencing minor water damage. After the repairs were completed, on the afternoon of June 21, two employees of the dealership took the car for a test drive before handing it over to the customer. However, they suddenly noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle and quickly exited the car.
The intense fire completely destroyed the front of the Mazda3 and severely damaged the interior. The estimated loss is around VND 250 million. The car owner has since stated that they will be seeking adequate compensation from the Ha Tinh Mazda dealership.
The Mazda3 was completely burnt at the front and its interior was also severely damaged. (Photo: TL)
In reality, it is not uncommon for a car that is driving along the road to suddenly catch fire, similar to what happened to the Mazda3 in Ha Tinh. In the past few months alone, there have been at least 10 reported cases of car fires.
On June 18, a Toyota Rush SUV suddenly burst into flames while driving on National Highway 1 in An Binh Ward, Di An City, Binh Duong Province. The fire quickly engulfed the entire vehicle, causing panic among passersby. The driver quickly escaped from the vehicle.
Authorities arrived at the scene promptly to control the traffic and extinguish the fire. Unfortunately, the SUV was left burnt to its frame.
The Toyota Rush was reduced to a charred frame while driving. (Photo: Clip from a witness)
Earlier, on June 13, a Hyundai Grand i10 taxi caught fire at the intersection of Lang Street and Nguyen Chi Thanh Street in Dong Da District, Hanoi. The fire originated from inside the vehicle and rapidly spread, leaving only the frame of the car within a few minutes.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver pulled over to the bike lane next to To Lich River on Lang Street upon noticing the smoke and flames. The intense fire shattered the car windows and damaged the interior.
The Hyundai Grand i10 taxi was also engulfed in flames while on the road. (Photo: Hoang Tuan)
On the same day, a Mitsubishi Xpander MPV suddenly caught fire while traveling on National Highway 37B in Giao Yen Commune, Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province. The local fire department arrived at the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the Xpander sustained severe damage.
(Video source: Otofun)
In another incident, a parked luxury BMW car suddenly burst into flames on Ngo Thi Sy Street in Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, on May 2. The owner had already left the scene, unaware of the fire. By the time the authorities arrived, the car was reduced to a charred frame.
The BMW car was burnt to its frame in Ha Dong District, Hanoi, on May 2 (Photo: MXH Giao Thong)
How to Prevent Car Fires?
Commenting on the recent car fires, automotive engineer Duong Trung Kien, Director of Kien Phong Auto Service and Trading Company in Cau Giay District, Hanoi, stated that car fires can result from both subjective and objective factors, and each case is unique.
Engineer Kien pointed out some common causes, including fuel system leaks, electrical modifications and overloads, engine overheating, and combustible materials like dry leaves or straw caught in the vehicle’s undercarriage.
“There are countless reasons why cars catch fire, especially during the hot summer months,” said Kien. “In extreme heat, car components can easily overheat, increasing the risk of electrical failures and fires.”
A car’s exhaust pipe glowing red hot during summer operations. (Photo: Doan Hung Viet/OFFB)
According to the expert, while sudden car fires are rare, they can happen to anyone and any vehicle, especially older models.
To minimize the risk of car fires, Engineer Duong Trung Kien offered the following advice:
– Regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle. Promptly address any issues, replace aging parts, and ensure the car is in good technical condition.
– Avoid modifying or adding electrical components, such as lights or audio systems, without following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Overloading the electrical system can lead to fires. Also, check for any signs of rodent damage to electrical wiring or fuel lines in the engine compartment.
– Limit continuous driving during hot weather conditions. Take breaks to allow both the driver and the vehicle to rest. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and take appropriate action if the car overheats.
– Be cautious when driving through areas with combustible materials like dry leaves, straw, or plastic bags. Stop and check the undercarriage before proceeding.
– In the unfortunate event of a car fire, immediately stop in an open area, away from flammable materials and other vehicles. Turn off the ignition, evacuate the vehicle, and use available tools like fire extinguishers, water, or sand to control the fire.
According to Vietnamnet
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