A terrifying incident unfolded on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway where a speeding car suddenly burst into flames, turning into a fireball. The incident occurred late Sunday night near the Dapchari customs checkpost in Palghar district, Maharashtra. The fire was so intense that the entire car was completely gutted within moments,. But a major tragedy was averted due to the driver's presence of mind and alertness.
Driver's Presence of Mind Saves Lives
The most reassuring aspect of this incident was that all four passengers in the car were saved, while the driver sensed the fire in the car in time and immediately brought the vehicle to a halt. Without any delay, he safely evacuated all four passengers. This swift action prevented any loss of life, which is often the case in such severe fire incidents. A video of the burning car has also emerged, showing the flames completely engulfing the vehicle.
Potential Causes of Car Fires
There isn't a single definitive cause for a car catching fire while in motion; rather, several factors can be responsible. In most cases, the primary reasons for car fires include electrical faults, fuel leaks, engine overheating, or mechanical failure. Understanding these causes can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Electrical Faults and Short Circuits
Electrical faults are a significant cause of car fires, while often, a car's wiring becomes old, or rodents chew through them, damaging the insulation. Short circuits can also occur in wiring due to exposure to moisture, leading to sparks, while these sparks can ignite fires in the dashboard, near the battery, or in the engine bay. Plus, loose wiring connections can overheat, melt the plastic insulation, and catch fire.
Fuel Leaks
Cracks in the fuel line, loose connections, or a faulty fuel pump can lead to the leakage of petrol or diesel. This leaked fuel, upon coming into contact with hot engine parts, the exhaust system, or any spark, can instantly ignite, creating an explosive situation. Fuel leaks are extremely dangerous as they can spread fire very rapidly.
Mechanical Failure and Accidents
Coolant leaks, a blocked radiator, a faulty thermostat, or a low coolant level can also cause the engine to overheat excessively. When the engine becomes too hot, it can ignite oil or fuel. On top of that, the exhaust manifold can get so hot that oil nearby starts to burn and catches fire. Maintaining the correct engine temperature is crucial for fire prevention.
Sometimes, a major mechanical failure in the car can also cause a fire, especially if it generates excessive heat or friction, while in addition, car fires are common after accidents. Collisions can cause the fuel tank to rupture or the battery to short circuit, leading to immediate fires. Such accidents often result in severe consequences.
This incident once again underscores the importance for vehicle owners to perform regular maintenance on their cars and to promptly address any unusual signs. The driver's vigilance in this case, saving four lives, has set an example.
