New Delhi: Three vehicles caught fire on Delhi's roads on Monday, adding to a growing list of vehicle blaze incidents in the city. The fires occurred in different parts of the capital, but no injuries were reported in any of them.
Car Fire Near Bhajanpura Metro Station
In one incident on Monday morning, a moving car caught fire near Bhajanpura metro station in northeast Delhi. All passengers managed to escape before the flames engulfed the vehicle. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received a call about the blaze at 7:30 am and dispatched two fire tenders to the spot. Firefighters arrived promptly and brought the fire under control by 8:25 am. No injuries were reported.
Car Fire in Dwarka Sector 17
Another car caught fire near a police station in Dwarka's Sector 17 on Monday morning. One fire tender was sent to the location, and the blaze was extinguished within minutes, officials said. No casualties were reported in this incident either.
Garbage Truck Fire Near Geeta Colony Flyover
In a separate incident, a fire broke out in a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) garbage truck near the Geeta Colony flyover. Fire officials responded quickly to control the flames.
Risks and Response by Firefighters
Fire officials noted that a blaze on a moving vehicle on the road is particularly risky because the fuel tank, battery, or other flammable components may explode. A senior fire official explained that in routine vehicle fire cases, usually one fire tender is dispatched. However, several fire tenders are sent in extreme situations or when a truck or bus has caught fire.
The official said firefighters are trained to handle potential explosions. “Firefighters maintain distance while dousing the flames and use shielding for protection,” the official said. Firefighters also position themselves behind the fire tender and spray water using long pipes. “We try to remain behind a vehicle or some form of cover so that we are protected in case there is a blast,” the official added.
Police and traffic personnel assist by cordoning off the affected stretch and moving vehicles away to prevent injuries to passersby.
Common Causes of Vehicle Fires
Several factors cause vehicle fires. Many are linked to poor maintenance and electrical faults. Overheated engines, lack of regular servicing, engine oil leakage, and short circuits are among the primary reasons behind such blazes. Officials added that leakage in diesel or petrol pipelines can also trigger fires when exposed to heat.
Unauthorised electrical modifications in vehicles are also a concern. “Many owners install heavy music systems, loudspeakers, and extra accessories by altering the original wiring, increasing the chances of short circuits,” the official added.
Officials also cautioned against storing inflammable items such as power banks, perfume cans, and lighters inside parked vehicles during extreme heat.
Recent Vehicle Fire Incidents in Delhi
In the last two months, Delhi has seen several such vehicle fires. On April 23, a Scorpio SUV caught fire near an EV charging station on Aurobindo Marg in south Delhi. On April 16, a taxi was engulfed in flames on the Azadpur flyover in northwest Delhi, causing traffic disruption during peak hours. On April 10, a truck caught fire near the Akshardham flyover in east Delhi. On March 5, a DTC e-bus caught fire on Mehrauli-Badarpur Road.
