Car on Eskişehir-Ankara highway catches fire while moving, disaster averted

A car moving on the Eskişehir-Ankara highway started to catch fire as a result of overheating occurring in the engine compartment for an as yet unknown reason. This incident, which occurred in the presence of the Regional Traffic Directorate teams, was prevented from turning into a greater disaster thanks to the driver's timely and calm intervention. Noticing the smoke and flames rising from the trunk of the vehicle, the driver successfully steered his vehicle to the safety lane as a precaution, even if he did not have a fire extinguisher or other means in his possession. This quick thinking and reflex prevented a possible explosion or traffic accident that could endanger the lives of both the driver and other drivers on the road. The driver's safe evacuation from the vehicle while parking on the safety lane was the most critical factor in the incident being experienced without loss of life. Following the driver's exit from the vehicle, the fire quickly spread to the vehicle body and the car became unusable, succumbing to the flames. The fire, in which the car was completely burned, was reported when security forces near the scene noticed the situation. It was learned that the license plate of the car was 38 YE 361, and the technical details of the incident and the malfunction, which was the main reason for the car catching fire, were reported to be examined by the authorities. Thankfully, there were no injuries or loss of life in the accident, but material damage occurred. Regarding the issue, a large-scale investigation was initiated by the traffic teams dispatched to the scene, and procedures were carried out for necessary legal actions. A short-term observation was made and necessary measures were taken without affecting the flow of traffic on the highway where the incident occurred. The incident, which developed right next to the Regional Traffic Directorate teams, serves as a grim lesson for vehicle owners regarding highway safety and vehicle maintenance. Experts once again emphasize that periodic maintenance of vehicles, such as monitoring the engine and checking oil and water levels, is of vital importance before embarking on long journeys in particular. It is emphasized that technical malfunctions occurring while driving can lead to sudden and uncontrolled fires, just like in this incident, and drivers must be alert for such a situation at all times. The incident luckily did not turn into a major accident thanks to the driver's composure. Consequently, after completing their examinations, traffic safety teams started working to clean the area where the burned car was located and restore the road to a safe state.