Renault on flames: 74-year-old escapes the inferno on B494!

Renault on flames: 74-year-old escapes the inferno on B494!

In the morning of July 22, 2025, an alarming incident occurred in northern Germany when a car opened on fire while driving. According to Hildesheimer Press it was a Renault that was directed by a 74-year-old driver from the Hildesheim district. The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. on the B494 towards Hildesheim, where the driver suddenly perceived the smell of fire.

The vehicle's pilot reacted immediately, left it on the descent to Peiner Landstrasse and was luckily able to get to safety unharmed. The flames spread quickly, and soon they penetrated the engine compartment so that the car fully burned. The professional fire brigade was quickly on hand and extinguished the flames, but the vehicle had already suffered total damage. It had to be picked up by a towing company. The departure to the Peiner Landstrasse remained closed until around 11:30 a.m.

causes of vehicle fires

Vehicle fires are a serious problem that makes headlines not only in Germany, but also worldwide. Every year according to wikipedia around 15,000 car fires in Germany are registered, even around 40,000 if you include minor damage. The causes of such fires can be varied: from traffic accident to overheated brakes to damaged auto parts - everything can lead to the development of a fire.

Especially in electric vehicles, fire fighting requires more water and special cooling containers for batteries, which also makes it difficult to use such vehicle fires. Self -infections are rare, but the dangers due to toxic flue gases that are released when burning plastics and tires are not to be underestimated. A vehicle fire can not only lead to damage to the vehicle itself, but also have other effects, such as subsequent accidents through smoke development or by uncontrolled movements if braking systems are damaged.

preventive measures and tips

In order to be able to react correctly in the event of cases, it is important to deal with the topic. Suggestions to improve the situation include the introduction of a basic instruction in driving license training on the subject of vehicle fires and the obligation to carry out fire extinguishers in the car. The installation of automatic extinguishing systems for motors in certain vehicles could also be mandatory since 2020 - measures that cannot be neglected.

The incident on the B494 is now making the importance of dealing with the dangers of vehicle fires and acting quickly and carefully in an emergency. In this case, the driver's quick action prevented worse. Stay safe and vigilant!