A car burst into flames on the northbound lane of the EDSA-Ortigas flyover on Sunday evening, resulting in heavy traffic congestion.
According to a report by Mariz Umali on 24 Oras on Monday, CCTV footage revealed the driver stepping out of the vehicle after other motorists noticed a fuel leak.
Moments later, the car caught fire, prompting the driver to flee. The footage also captured the burning car moving on its own.
Firefighters swiftly extinguished the blaze while police managed traffic in the area. The incident caused a traffic buildup that extended to EDSA Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.
The Quezon City Police District Station 12 reported that the driver sustained burns on both feet. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are conducting further investigations.
Expert analysis
The Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) identified three potential causes of the fire: a gasoline leak, an electrical malfunction, or an overheating engine.
“Kadalasan ang vehicle fire is caused by a modification that is not proper,” said Robert Consunji, AAP Government Liaison Committee chairperson.
(Vehicle fires are often caused by improper modifications.)
“Parang gasoline fire ito dahil may gasoline trail siya habang gumugulong siya sa flyover at mas gas fire talaga sa lupa. It means to say a fuel line has leaked or even by mere gravity that the tank was emptying on the road, lumiyab na siya,” Consunji explained.
(This appears to be a gasoline fire due to the visible fuel trail as the car moved along the flyover. Gasoline pooling on the ground likely ignited due to a fuel line leak or the tank emptying by gravity.)
The AAP advised motorists to pull over immediately if they notice anything unusual about their vehicle, such as an odd smell.
Once stopped, they should engage the handbrake to prevent further accidents.
Carrying a fire extinguisher can be helpful, but the AAP warned that improper use can worsen the situation.
If you don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher, it would be better to call for help from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) or the BFP.
Consunji also cautioned against opening the car hood during a fire, as it could feed the flames with more oxygen, causing the fire to grow larger.
To prevent such incidents, the AAP emphasized the importance of regular preventive maintenance, and using only professional-grade accessories or modifications installed by professionals. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/DVM, GMA Integrated News
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