SINGAPORE — A lorry wheel fire inside the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) tunnel triggered the automatic sprinkler system early in the morning, leading to a temporary closure and traffic disruption.
The incident occurred at around 6:55am along the stretch heading towards the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), near the Marina Link exit. Motorists travelling through the tunnel were alerted by overhead electronic signs warning of a fire and instructing vehicles to exit immediately.
Videos shared online showed water cascading from the tunnel’s ceiling as the fire suppression system activated. Several motorcyclists were seen stopping along the rightmost lane to avoid the spray, while emergency vehicles moved in along the left lane to respond to the situation.
Sprinkler system activates as fire breaks out
According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the fire involved the rear wheel of a lorry travelling within the tunnel. Upon arrival, firefighters quickly brought the situation under control using a water cannon, preventing the blaze from spreading further.
The activation of the sprinkler system is part of the tunnel’s built-in safety mechanisms, designed to contain fires and protect motorists in enclosed environments. While effective, it also resulted in vehicles being drenched — prompting some social media users to jokingly describe the incident as a “free car wash”.
Despite the dramatic scenes, no injuries were reported.
Temporary closure disrupts morning traffic
As a precaution, the affected section of the Marina Coastal Expressway was closed temporarily to facilitate firefighting operations and ensure the safety of road users. This led to delays for commuters during the morning peak period.
Tunnel closures, even brief ones, can have a ripple effect on traffic conditions across connected expressways, especially during busy hours. Authorities typically act swiftly to clear such incidents to minimise disruption.
Motorists were advised to follow traffic instructions and use alternative routes where necessary while the situation was being managed.
Investigations underway into cause of fire
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Vehicle-related fires, particularly involving tyres or engine components, can occur due to overheating, mechanical faults, or prolonged usage under heavy loads.
The incident serves as a reminder for vehicle owners, especially those operating heavy vehicles, to ensure regular maintenance and safety checks. Early detection of wear and tear can help prevent potentially dangerous situations on the road.
Authorities are expected to release further updates if necessary, but for now, the swift response ensured the situation was contained without injuries or major damage.