HONG KONG — A dramatic vehicle fire erupted on the Island Eastern Corridor highway early Monday morning, completely engulfing a Honda sports car and causing significant traffic disruption during the peak commute hours. Fortunately, the driver escaped the rapidly spreading flames without injury, though the vehicle was nearly destroyed.
The incident occurred just after 6 a.m. today as a Honda S660 convertible, traveling eastward toward Chai Wan near Taikoo Shing, suddenly caught fire. Emergency services, including the Fire Services Department, quickly mobilized a hose line and a breathing apparatus team to battle the intense blaze. While fire crews rapidly extinguished the inferno, the event brought traffic to a standstill on a major artery of Hong Kong Island.
Driver Recounts Narrow Escape
The driver, identified only as Mr. Lee, described a sudden catastrophic failure moments before the fire started. Lee stated that he was driving the car, a 10-year-old Honda S660 he purchased two years ago, from Causeway Bay to Chai Wan. As he reached the incline near Taikoo Shing, he heard a distinct “pop” from beneath the vehicle.
“The engine oil light and the engine warning light both came on simultaneously,” Mr. Lee told investigators. “The accelerator pedal lost all response.”
Within moments, Mr. Lee noticed smoke billowing from the rear of the vehicle via his rearview mirror. Recognizing the danger, he immediately pulled the vehicle to the right-hand slow lane and managed to exit the car just before the smoke intensified and subsequently burst into flames. The fire was accompanied by several loud, repeated “pop, pop, pop” sounds as it consumed the car’s interior.
The aftermath revealed the severe intensity of the fire, leaving the S660 reduced to little more than a charred, unrecognizable metal shell.
Traffic Snarls Follow Lane Closures
The vehicular fire severely impacted early morning transport. The Transport Department issued an immediate alert, confirming that portions of the Island Eastern Corridor near Quarry Bay Park, heading toward Chai Wan, had been closed off to allow emergency access. Motorists were forced to merge onto the remaining open lanes, leading to heavy congestion and delays throughout the district.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of major urban highways to sudden disruptions, stressing the importance of alternative transport planning for commuters.
Investigation Underway into Fire Cause
Police and fire officials have initiated a joint investigation to determine the precise cause of the catastrophic fire. Preliminary inquiries are focusing on several potential mechanical and electrical factors.
Key areas of investigation include:
- Age and Condition of Vehicle Components: Assessing whether mechanical degradation or latent defects in the decade-old vehicle contributed to the failure.
- Electrical Short Circuit: Determining if an electrical fault within the engine bay or wiring harness triggered the combustion.
- Maintenance History: Reviewing the vehicle’s maintenance records for any previous warnings or repairs.
While the exact source of ignition remains unconfirmed, incidents involving vehicle engine fires often result from fluid leaks (particularly oil or fuel coming into contact with hot engine parts) or severe electrical faults.
Ensuring Road Safety
The swift actions of Mr. Lee underscore the crucial need for drivers to respond promptly and safely should their vehicle exhibit signs of overheating or mechanical failure. Experts advise pulling over immediately to a safe location, turning off the engine, and evacuating the vehicle, placing distance between oneself and the potentially igniting components.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and patience while traveling through the affected area during the investigative cleanup. Further updates are expected as police and fire investigators conclude their forensic examination of the burned-out vehicle frame. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential safety hazards linked to mechanical failures, particularly in older vehicles operating under rigorous city driving conditions.
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