Mercedes-Benz catches fire in Blue Hills, no injuries reported
EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo shares safety measures that motorists can take when their car catches fire.
A Mercedes-Benz burst into flames in Blue Hills on July 20 and the cause was not known.
This is the second vehicle to catch fire in two months. The first incident occurred in June in Halfway House where a black Opel Corsa bakkie caught fire.
In the most recent incident, residents spotted thick black smoke rising from the Olifantsfontein Road intersection where the vehicle was stationed. Bystanders immediately called Emergency Management Service (EMS) who responded quickly.
EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said, “The entire car burnt and we are not certain about the cause. The driver said she stopped at the robots and the fire started.”
According to Khumalo, the immediate focus of the firefighters was to ensure the safety of the surrounding properties and residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“The fire and rescue team were able to extinguish the fire before it could spread to the surrounding areas.”
EMS shared safety measures to take when your vehicle catches fire:
- Stay as calm as you can. The worst possible thing that you can do is panic.
- Panic will cause you to waste precious seconds and make mistakes that could end up being tragic.
- If the vehicle is moving, signal and move to the side of the road.
- Fire feeds off oxygen and even slow forward motion will force air into the engine compartment, basically stoking the fire.
- Pulling to the side makes it possible for everyone to get out of the vehicle safely.
- Turn off the ignition to shut off the electric current and stop the flow of gasoline.
- Put the vehicle in park or set the emergency brake; you don’t want the vehicle to move after your leave it.
- Make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle, but do not waste time and increase your risk by removing personal belongings.
- Move at least 100 feet away. Keep traffic in mind and keep everyone together. There is not only danger from the fire but also from other vehicles moving in the area.
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