Five Singaporean occupants escaped uninjured after their Singapore-registered Mercedes-Benz C180K caught fire near the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza in Gelang Patah on June 20. The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported that the blaze destroyed approximately 70 percent of the vehicle.
What happened during the Mercedes-Benz fire?
The fire occurred on the Second Link Expressway as vehicles moved toward Singapore. According to Stomper J, the vehicle was initially smoking before flames completely engulfed the car. While the fire was intense, the witness noted that no other vehicles appeared to be affected by the blaze.
Photos posted to the Singapura Channel Facebook page showed thick smoke billowing from the vehicle. These images also suggested the car’s rear boot had been left open during the incident.
When did emergency services arrive?
Firefighters arrived at the scene at 12:04 AM following an official alert at 11:58 PM. There was a 28-minute gap between the initial sighting of smoke by Stomper J at approximately 11:30 PM and the notification to JBPM. After arriving at the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza, firefighters used one hose line to extinguish the flames, concluding the operation at 12:38 AM.
How much damage did the fire cause?
The blaze destroyed an estimated 70 percent of the Mercedes-Benz C180K, according to JBPM. Although the vehicle suffered heavy damage, all five Singaporean occupants escaped safely, and no casualties were reported.
What may happen next?
Several developments are possible following the incident:
- It’s likely that authorities will conduct an investigation to determine the specific cause of the fire.
- The open condition of the rear boot, as seen in photos, could be examined during a mechanical review.
- The occupants will likely face the consequences of the vehicle’s near-total destruction.