Vehicle Fire in Kurtköy Tunnel Causes Panic and Traffic Chaos
Istanbul, April 17 – A vehicle fire in the Kurtköy-Pendik link road tunnel, situated beneath the second runway of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, led to widespread panic and significant traffic disruption yesterday evening. The incident, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in a moving pickup truck, resulted in the complete destruction of the vehicle.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts
The fire occurred in a pickup truck with license plate 34 NTM 265, driven by F.K., while it was traveling through the tunnel. According to initial reports, an electrical contact issue sparked the blaze. Upon notification, numerous fire and police teams were dispatched to the scene. Emergency services quickly brought the fire under control through extensive extinguishing and cooling operations. During the evacuation process, the tunnel became heavily engulfed in smoke, adding to the chaotic scene.
Traffic Paralysis and Aftermath
The incident caused considerable panic among motorists and led to extensive vehicle queues at both the entrance and exit of the tunnel. Traffic came to a complete standstill for an extended period, severely impacting commuters and travelers heading to and from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Following the successful firefighting efforts, traffic flow gradually returned to normal. However, the pickup truck was rendered completely unusable due to the severity of the fire.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. While initial indications point to an electrical fault, further examination will be conducted to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The timely response of emergency services prevented any reported injuries, but the material damage to the vehicle was total.
The incident highlights the potential dangers of vehicle malfunctions in enclosed spaces like tunnels and the importance of swift emergency intervention to manage such situations effectively.
