Inferno in the MCE: How a Car Fire Brought Singapore's Key Tunnel to a Grinding Halt

A morning commute took an unexpected turn for thousands of motorists in Singapore when a car fire erupted inside the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) tunnel, creating a massive traffic snarl that brought the busy thoroughfare to a complete standstill. The dramatic incident, occurring on Monday, October 14, 2024, saw emergency services spring into action, as commuters faced significant delays.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the blaze at approximately 10:45 AM.

The fire, which engulfed the engine compartment of a passenger car, broke out within the MCE tunnel, specifically in the lanes heading towards the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) and Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) – a critical artery for daily traffic. Plumes of smoke and the sight of flashing lights quickly signaled a major disruption.

Responding swiftly, SCDF personnel arrived on the scene to find the vehicle alight.

Utilising a hose reel, firefighters efficiently extinguished the blaze, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of those nearby. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries stemming from the incident, a testament to the rapid response and perhaps the quick evacuation of occupants.

However, the immediate aftermath of the fire led to widespread chaos on the roads.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) promptly issued warnings to motorists, advising them to expect heavy congestion and to seek alternative routes if possible. The closure of lanes necessary for emergency operations and cleanup meant that traffic quickly backed up, stretching for kilometers and affecting not only the MCE but also connecting roads.

Motorists found themselves caught in an unprecedented jam, with many reporting being stuck for hours.

Despite the fire being quickly put out, the process of ensuring the tunnel was safe, clearing the damaged vehicle, and managing the residual traffic took considerable time. Lanes were progressively reopened, but the sheer volume of vehicles meant that the heavy congestion persisted well into the afternoon, impacting countless journeys and daily schedules across the city-state.