Mumbai: Car Catches Fire Inside Coastal Road Tunnel, Stretch Temporarily Closed (Videos)
A vehicle fire inside the north-bound tunnel of the Mumbai Coastal Road brought afternoon traffic to a complete standstill on Wednesday. The incident prompted a rapid emergency response and caused temporary panic among commuters as thick smoke began to fill the underground passage. No injuries have been reported.
A moving car caught fire inside the Mumbai Coastal Road tunnel on Wednesday afternoon, leading authorities to temporarily close the affected stretch and causing major traffic disruptions across South Mumbai. The incident occurred at around 12.25 pm on the Haji Ali–Worli carriageway. Officials confirmed that there were no injuries or casualties, and the blaze was brought under control after a prompt response by emergency services.
Fire Breaks Out Inside Tunnel
According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the vehicle caught fire while travelling through the tunnel, prompting an immediate emergency response. Firefighters, police personnel and an ambulance were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of motorists trapped behind the burning vehicle. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Andheri West Fire: Video Shows Residents Jumping From Building As Massive Blaze Engulfs Mumbai SRA Complex.
Car Catches Fire Inside Mumbai Coastal Road Tunnel
Traffic Comes to a Standstill
The fire forced officials to temporarily shut the affected tunnel stretch, bringing traffic to a standstill. Several vehicles were stranded inside the tunnel as smoke spread through the enclosed passage, while commuters experienced long delays.
Traffic congestion was reported on key routes across South Mumbai, including Marine Drive, Nariman Point, Churchgate, Marine Lines, Peddar Road, Haji Ali, P D'Mello Road and Worli, as vehicles were diverted away from the Coastal Road. Mumbai Metro Fire: Blaze Erupts at T2 Airport Station on Aqua Line, Services Restored After Brief Disruption (Watch Video).
Emergency Teams Prevent Major Mishap
Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze before it could spread to other vehicles. Officials confirmed that no one was injured in the incident, and rescue operations were completed safely.
After the fire was brought under control, authorities began clearing the damaged vehicle and inspecting the tunnel to ensure it was safe before reopening the route to traffic.
Investigation Into Cause of Fire
Officials are examining the burnt vehicle to determine what triggered the blaze. While the preliminary focus is on a possible mechanical or electrical fault, the exact cause will be confirmed only after a detailed inspection. Authorities have not indicated any evidence of foul play and said further updates will be shared once the investigation is complete.
The Mumbai Coastal Road is one of the city's key transport corridors, connecting South Mumbai with the western suburbs and significantly reducing travel time. Given the enclosed nature of the twin tunnels, even a single vehicle fire can lead to immediate road closures and extensive traffic disruptions, making rapid emergency response critical.
Wednesday's incident ended without casualties, but it temporarily affected traffic movement and highlighted the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness on major urban road infrastructure.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2026 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).