Customised Horn Blamed For Coastal Road Tunnel Car Fire

A preliminary fire brigade report has revealed that a customised horn installed in a Maruti Suzuki Ignis may have triggered the fire that engulfed the car inside the southbound Coastal Road tunnel on July 15. The incident occurred in one of Mumbai's major tunnels, causing panic among motorists.

The car fire was one of several reported on Mumbai's Coastal Road, prompting an investigation into the cause of the blaze. According to Umesh Palande, divisional fire officer, South Zone, the customised horn's wiring may have been faulty, potentially damaging other wiring systems connected to the fuel system and engine.

The tunnel's ventilation system played a crucial role in controlling the smoke, with three heavy-duty fans generating high-velocity winds to disperse the smoke. However, the incident highlighted concerns over the accessibility of fire extinguishers inside the tunnel. Many extinguishers are kept inside boxes beneath emergency telephones, making them difficult for motorists to locate and access.

Palande stressed that the findings were preliminary and that the exact cause of the fire would be established in the final report, expected to be released within the next two days. In response to the incident, the BMC has issued a 12-point safety protocol for motorists during emergencies inside the Coastal Road tunnel.

The safety protocol includes stopping safely, switching off the engine, and leaving the keys inside the vehicle. Motorists are also advised to avoid U-turns or reversing, use emergency telephones, and follow public address announcements. The protocol also emphasizes the importance of staying calm and using fire extinguishers if necessary.

The incident has raised concerns about vehicle safety and the need for proper maintenance. The use of customised horns and other modifications can potentially pose a fire hazard if not installed correctly. The final report is expected to provide more insight into the cause of the fire and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Coastal Road tunnel is a critical infrastructure project in Mumbai, and ensuring the safety of motorists is a top priority. The BMC's safety protocol is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the concerns raised by the incident.

In the meantime, motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving through the tunnel and to follow the safety protocol in case of an emergency. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the need for proper maintenance to prevent such incidents.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the final report is expected to be released soon. The report will provide more insight into the incident and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The safety of motorists is a top priority, and the authorities are taking steps to ensure that the Coastal Road tunnel is a safe and secure route for all users. The incident has highlighted the need for increased awareness about vehicle safety and the importance of following safety protocols in case of an emergency.

In conclusion, the preliminary report suggests that a customised horn may have triggered the car fire in the Coastal Road tunnel. The incident has raised concerns about vehicle safety and the need for proper maintenance. The authorities are taking steps to address these concerns, and motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving through the tunnel.

The incident has significant implications for Mumbai, as it highlights the need for increased awareness about vehicle safety and the importance of following safety protocols in case of an emergency. The authorities must take steps to ensure that the Coastal Road tunnel is a safe and secure route for all users, and motorists must be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.

The final report is expected to provide more insight into the incident and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Until then, motorists must remain vigilant and follow the safety protocol in case of an emergency. The safety of motorists is a top priority, and every effort must be made to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the need for proper maintenance. Motorists must be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others. The authorities must also take steps to address the concerns raised by the incident and ensure that the Coastal Road tunnel is a safe and secure route for all users.

In the end, the safety of motorists is a collective responsibility, and every effort must be made to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The incident has highlighted the need for increased awareness about vehicle safety, and the authorities and motorists must work together to ensure that the Coastal Road tunnel is a safe and secure route for all users.