Mumbai Coastal Road Chaos: Car Engulfed in Flames Inside Tunnel, Traffic Diverted

A dramatic incident unfolded on the newly inaugurated Mumbai Coastal Road on Friday afternoon, May 17, 2024, when a Hyundai i20 car suddenly burst into flames inside the southbound tunnel near the Haji Ali area. The terrifying blaze quickly brought traffic to a complete halt, creating immediate chaos for commuters.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the vehicle, which was engulfed in fire deep within the tunnel.

The incident occurred around 3 PM IST, a time when the arterial road, crucial for connecting south and north Mumbai, experiences considerable traffic. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest a sudden mechanical or electrical fault.

Emergency services, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade and local traffic police, were immediately alerted and rushed to the scene.

Due to the inherent dangers of a vehicle fire inside a tunnel, quick action was paramount. The southbound carriageway of the Coastal Road was promptly blocked, and traffic was swiftly diverted at key junctions, particularly at Haji Ali and Worli Seaface, to prevent further congestion and ensure public safety.

Commuters were advised to use alternative routes, leading to significant snarls on adjacent roads.

Despite the intensity of the flames, thankfully, there were no casualties reported. The occupants of the car managed to escape unharmed before the fire fully consumed the vehicle. Firefighters worked efficiently to bring the blaze under control and extinguish it, a challenging task within the confined space of the tunnel.

Once the fire was doused, efforts began to remove the charred remains of the car and clear the debris, aiming to restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards on major infrastructure projects and the critical importance of robust emergency response systems.

While the Mumbai Coastal Road has been lauded for easing commutes, such events highlight the need for continuous vigilance and readiness for unforeseen circumstances. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and review safety protocols within the tunnel infrastructure.