An aggregator cab in Mumbai caught fire inside the southbound tunnel between Marine Drive and Nepean Sea Road on Friday, leading to chaos in the area and traffic congestion.
The incident took place at nearly
8:55 AM, approximately 400 meters into the tunnel. Both occupants managed to escape from inside the vehicle.
The smoke quickly filled the tunnel and was detected by sensors installed inside, which immediately alerted the Coastal Road control room near Nepean Sea Road.
Speaking to the Times of India, Manttayya Swami, chief engineer of the Mumbai coastal road, said,”We found out that this was an aggregator cab service and the occupants were unharmed.”
The firefighters and traffic police arrived and reached the spot immediately, cordoning off the area and diverting traffic through Haji Ali and Breach Candy exits.
The fire triggered the tunnel’s heat detection system, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Incident Caused Traffic Congestion
The accident led to severe congestion and confusion, with some vehicles reversing and even an ambulance being delayed for 30 minutes.
Local commuters expressed frustration over the lack of real-time information. Nigum Lakhani, who resides in a building near the Breach Candy exit, told TOI, “It was complete chaos as we saw fire engines trying hard to make their way, as vehicles were coming in the wrong direction. We need to have portable LED screens positioned at key points on the Coastal Road—such as the Worli Sea Link connectors, Haji Ali exit ramps, and the Bhulabhai Desai Road exit ramps.”
The officials are yet to find the cause of the accident.
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