Why are vehicles suddenly catching fire on Indian roads? , india news

In recent weeks, several shocking incidents have been reported across India – cars and buses catching fire while moving. A car burst into flames within minutes near Thirumalapura Gate in Mandya on the busy Bengaluru-Mangaluru National Highway.

The driver barely managed to escape before the fire consumed the vehicle. A bus caught fire midway in Kurnool. Another bus near Bengaluru airport also met the same fate. Similar incidents have been reported from across the country.

These sudden fires occurring in broad daylight have left many vehicle owners worried and perplexed. What’s behind this worrying pattern? Experts say the answer lies not in the mystery, but in a mix of technical neglect, poor maintenance and environmental conditions that combine to produce the perfect spark.

Growing challenge for vehicle users

For drivers and regular highway travelers, such incidents are no longer rare. There are worryingly frequent reports of vehicles catching fire while moving, raising concerns about safety on Indian roads.

In Karnataka’s Mandya district, eyewitnesses remember how smoke suddenly started billowing from the engine compartment of a small hatchback traveling at moderate speed. Within a few minutes flames started rising. The driver reacted immediately, steering to the side and jumping out. However, the car was reduced to a burnt shell. Fire officials arrived soon after, but the vehicle could not be saved.

This is not an isolated incident. Due to India’s rising temperatures and dense traffic, the stress on engines and wiring systems is greater than ever. Mechanical experts say that there are common but often overlooked reasons behind these highway fire accidents.

Reasons behind the flames

Engine overheating: When a vehicle’s cooling system fails or temperature sensors go bad, heat accumulates in the engine compartment. Fuel lines passing close to the engine can become dangerously hot, causing a fire.

Electrical Short Circuit: In older vehicles, frayed or loose wires can cause a fire. Poorly performed electrical repairs or add-on accessories – such as high-powered music systems, decorative lights, or fog lamps – can overload the circuit and cause a shorting.

Fuel Leakage: Even a small leak in the fuel pipe can be fatal. When petrol or diesel comes in contact with a hot engine surface or exhaust manifold, it ignites instantly.

Tire friction and high speed: Excessive friction in tires can increase heat levels during long distance drives. Over-inflating tires or driving at high speed for a long time can lead to tire burst and subsequent fire.

Unsafe Modification: Experts warn that the most dangerous cause is improper modification – especially retrofitting of CNG or LPG kits in unapproved workshops. When these systems are not installed with correct sealing and pressure regulation, the potential for gas leaks and explosions increases dramatically.

Safety is in the hands of the driver

According to the fire department, ideally every vehicle should have a small fire extinguisher. But very few people do this. Officials say most highway fire tragedies could have been prevented or mitigated by quick action in the first few seconds.

Vehicle engineers also emphasize that drivers should treat routine maintenance as a safety ritual, not an afterthought. Many of these incidents can be prevented by checking fuel lines, engine temperature, tire condition and electrical wiring before a long drive. Even a loose connection or oil leak, when ignored, can be disastrous.

Speed ​​control is another factor. Vehicles traveling at high speeds on a hot afternoon are more likely to experience component stress and frictional heat. Drivers should take short breaks on long drives and avoid continuous speeding in scorching weather.

A lesson for every driver

Although officials continue to study the frequent fires that break out on highways, one thing is clear – the solution starts with awareness. Be it a luxury car or a family sedan, no vehicle is immune to heat, abrasion or neglect. A small mechanical failure can turn into a major fire in a matter of seconds.

For every driver on Indian roads, the path is simple: regular checks, safe driving and quick response can save both life and vehicle. Prevention, not panic, is the only real protection against the next unknown fire on the highway.