A morning commute in Tin Shui Wai was severely disrupted today after a seven-seater vehicle spontaneously combusted at a major intersection, temporarily closing a key roadway and resulting in significant traffic congestion. The incident, which occurred just as the morning rush peaked, saw emergency services quickly contain the intense blaze, thankfully resulting in no injuries.
The alarming event unfolded around 8:28 a.m. on November 24, at the junction of Tin Sau Road and Tin Ying Road. A car travelling through the area suddenly erupted in flames, prompting the driver to swiftly exit the vehicle and call for help. The swift response from the Fire Services Department mitigated the danger; firefighters, utilizing a hose line and breathing apparatus teams, managed to fully extinguish the fire within approximately ten minutes.
Dramatic Scenes and Traffic Impact
Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online illustrated the severity of the fire. The vehicle was completely engulfed, sending plumes of thick, black smoke high into the sky over the Yuen Long district. Following the rapid extinguishing effort, the car was left visibly charred and blackened, a total loss.
While the quick action of the driver and emergency responders prevented any injuries, the incident had immediate repercussions for local transport infrastructure. To ensure safety and facilitate the clean-up operation, the Transport Department announced the complete closure of the entire carriageway of Tin Sau Road heading towards Lau Fau Shan—the stretch positioned between Tin Shui Road and Tin Ying Road.
Commuters were strongly urged to seek alternate routes due to the considerable traffic build-up and resulting congestion across the adjacent road network, impacting travel times for those heading into or within the North West New Territories. Officials advised motorists to plan extra time for their journeys.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the vehicle fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation. While mechanical failures are the most common source of spontaneous vehicle combustion, investigators will review all potential factors, including electrical faults or potential pre-existing issues with the seven-seater model.
What to Do If Your Car Catches Fire
Vehicle fires are rare but highly dangerous. Expert safety advice underscores several crucial steps drivers should take if they witness smoke or flames:
- Pull Over Immediately and Safely: If possible, move the vehicle away from traffic and structures. Shut off the engine.
- Evacuate Swiftly: All occupants must exit the vehicle immediately and move at least 100 feet away. Do not attempt to retrieve personal belongings.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 999 (or equivalent local emergency number) immediately, even if the fire seems minor.
- Do Not Attempt to Extinguish: Unless you have safe access to a large fire extinguisher designed for automotive fires, do not try to put out the blaze yourself.
This morning’s incident in Tin Shui Wai serves as a sharp reminder for drivers to maintain routine vehicle safety checks, especially regarding fluid levels and the car’s electrical system, to mitigate the risk of such severe mechanical malfunctions mid-journey. Normal traffic flow in the immediate vicinity is expected to resume only after the wreckage is cleared and the final safety inspection of the road is completed.