Why Are Vehicles Suddenly Catching Fire On Indian Roads?

Last Updated:October 29, 2025, 15:19 IST

Whether it’s a luxury car or a family sedan, no vehicle is immune to heat, friction, or neglect. A small mechanical fault can escalate within seconds into a full-blown fire.

20 Killed as Bus Caught Fire in Andhra Pradesh. Similar incidents have raised questions of vehicle safety on Indian roads (Image: News18)

In recent weeks, several shocking incidents have been reported across India — cars and buses bursting into flames while in motion. A car near Mandya’s Thirumalapura Gate went up in flames within moments on the busy Bengaluru–Mangaluru National Highway.

The driver barely managed to escape before the fire consumed the vehicle. In Kurnool, a bus caught fire mid-route. Another bus near Bengaluru Airport met the same fate. Similar incidents have been reported from across the country.

These sudden fires, happening in broad daylight, have left many vehicle owners anxious and puzzled. What’s behind this alarming pattern? Experts say the answer lies not in mystery, but in a mix of technical neglect, poor maintenance, and environmental conditions that together create the perfect spark.

A Growing Challenge for Vehicle Users

For drivers and regular highway commuters, such incidents are no longer rare. News of vehicles catching fire while running has become disturbingly frequent, raising concerns about safety on Indian roads.

In Mandya district of Karnataka, eyewitnesses recall how a small hatchback moving at moderate speed suddenly began smoking from its engine bay. Within minutes, flames erupted. The driver reacted quickly, steering to the side and jumping out. The car, however, was reduced to a charred shell. Fire officials arrived soon after, but by then, the vehicle was beyond saving.

It’s not an isolated incident. With India’s soaring temperatures and dense traffic, the stress on engines and wiring systems is higher than ever. Mechanical experts point out that the reasons behind these highway fire accidents are rooted in simple but often-overlooked causes.

The Hidden Causes Behind the Flames

Engine Overheating: When a vehicle’s cooling system fails or temperature sensors malfunction, heat builds up in the engine compartment. Fuel lines running close to the engine can get dangerously hot, triggering ignition.

Electrical Short Circuits: In older vehicles, frayed or loose wiring can spark fires. Poorly done electrical repairs or add-on accessories — such as high-powered music systems, decorative lights, or fog lamps — can overload circuits and cause shorting.

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

Tyre Friction and High Speed: Excessive friction in tyres during long-distance drives can raise heat levels. Overinflated tyres or prolonged high-speed driving can lead to blowouts, followed by fire.

Unsafe Modifications: The most dangerous cause, experts warn, 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 chance of gas leakage and explosion rises dramatically.

Safety Is in the Driver’s Hands

According to the Fire Department, every vehicle should ideally carry a small fire extinguisher. But few do. Officials say that most highway fire tragedies could have been prevented or minimized with quick action in the first few seconds.

Vehicle engineers also emphasize that drivers must treat regular maintenance as a safety ritual, not an afterthought. Checking fuel lines, engine temperature, tyre condition, and electrical wiring before long drives can prevent many of these incidents. Even a loose connection or an oil leak, when ignored, can turn catastrophic.

Speed control is another factor. Vehicles running at extreme speeds on hot afternoons are more likely to experience component stress and frictional heat. Drivers should take short breaks on long drives and avoid continuous high-speed stretches in scorching weather.

A Lesson for Every Driver

While authorities continue to study recurring highway fires, one thing is clear — the solution begins with awareness. Whether it’s a luxury car or a family sedan, no vehicle is immune to heat, friction, or neglect. A small mechanical fault can escalate within seconds into a full-blown fire.

For every driver on Indian roads, the takeaway is simple: regular checks, safe driving, and quick response can save both lives and vehicles. Prevention, not panic, remains the only real protection against the next unexplained flame on the highway.

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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