Lorry wheel fire triggers MCE tunnel sprinkler system

The sprinkler system in Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) tunnel went off after a lorry’s wheel caught fire inside.

The tunnel had to be closed temporarily.

The incident occurred on Apr. 27 at around 6:55am in the MCE tunnel towards the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), near the Marina Link exit.

Video of sprinklers activated

In a video posted online, an electronic road sign displayed the message, “Fire. Tunnel closed. Must exit now.”

The video also captured the sprinkler system being activated.

Motorcyclists were seen parked on the rightmost lane of the tunnel to avoid getting wet.

Emergency vehicles on the leftmost lane of the tunnel were seen responding to the incident.

The caption of the video read: “Free car wash inside tunnel.”

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire involved the rear wheel of a lorry.

Authorities extinguished the fire with a water cannon upon arrival.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.