A stunned crowd gathered along Allen Street, just beyond the Newcastle Show Grounds, as a Newcastle Municipal vehicle was virtually consumed by fire, on Monday morning, 19 May 2025.
The cause of the blaze remains under scrutiny, but the driver recounted she was heading towards the Newcastle CBD when the vehicle ground to a halt.
“Then there were flames and smoke,” said the woman, shaken by the ordeal.
Nearby residents and passers-by sprang into action, battling the fire that started in the municipal bakkie’s engine, as Newcastle Municipal Firefighters headed to the scene. “We really tried to help. Luckily we got some fire extinguishers from the nearby residential complex,” said one resident.
Firefighters doused the inferno upon arrival, with smoke bellowing into traffic until the flames were subdued.
This incident showcases the importance of community-kindness in crises. It also draws attention to the importance of rigorous vehicle maintenance by the goverment entity.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
4 Responses
When last was this vehicle serviced?
Is there a logbook (and not the one from the dealer, no…)?
Were all aftermarket installions approved by the manufacturer of the vehicle?
Was this vehicle insured?
Or was it time for a new double cab??
No doubt, maintainable service could be the factor. If investigation could just start with the service history if the vehicle and then dwelve on other issues like historical breakdowns of the vehicle.
Unbelievable. Not only the community kindness but the availability of fires extinguishers. During safety drills people don’t realize the importance of prevention and drills.
Something tells me the car was out of oil and either the driver ignored the warnings, was promised it’ll get checked out and it never was or the car didn’t signal when it’s out of oil