ISTANBUL, June 30, 2026 – A service minibus was completely destroyed by fire while in motion in Üsküdar’s Ünalan neighborhood on Monday evening. The incident, which occurred around 5:30 PM on Akçay Street, led to significant traffic congestion as emergency services responded to the scene.
Flames Engulf Moving Minibus
According to initial reports, flames began to emanate from the engine compartment of the service minibus for an unknown reason. The driver, upon noticing the fire, promptly pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and safely exited.
Witnesses quickly alerted emergency services, leading to the dispatch of firefighters and police to the location. Upon arrival, fire crews immediately began tackling the blaze, which by then had fully engulfed the minibus. The rapid spread of the fire resulted in the complete destruction of the vehicle, rendering it unusable.
Emergency Response and Traffic Disruption
The firefighting teams worked efficiently to bring the inferno under control and extinguish it. Their swift action prevented the fire from spreading further, though the intensity of the flames caused considerable damage to the minibus itself.
The incident caused significant traffic congestion in the Ünalan Mahallesi area, particularly on Akçay Street, as police secured the scene and fire crews carried out their operations. Traffic flow returned to normal once the emergency teams completed their work and the area was deemed safe.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. At this stage, the reason for the flames erupting from the engine compartment remains unknown. Investigators will examine the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the incident to ascertain how the fire started.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, thanks to the driver’s quick thinking and prompt evacuation from the burning vehicle. The focus of the investigation will now be on technical aspects that may have contributed to the sudden combustion.
This incident highlights the importance of vehicle maintenance and the potential dangers of mechanical failures while on the road. Further details regarding the cause of the fire are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
