Truck fire at Kamchik Pass: lucky escape

On 2 July, at about 20:55 in the evening, a fire occurred in an IVECO‑brand freight vehicle travelling on the “Valley–Tashkent” section of the international A‑373 Tashkent–Osh highway, located on the Kamchik Pass. Information about the incident was received in a timely manner by the Kamchik special search and fire‑rescue service.

According to the information received, at the moment of the incident the lorry was moving upward along the steep slopes of the pass. Within a few minutes the fire flared up, spreading to the front part of the truck and its cargo section.

Immediately after the emergency arose, personnel of the special fire‑rescue unit “Kamchik” arrived at the site alertly. The crews, with high professional skill, brought the fire under control and managed to extinguish it completely.

At that moment the driver of the vehicle quickly stopped the truck and left the cab. Fortunately, as a result of this fire no people were injured or received bodily harm.

Initial examinations were carried out at the scene. Analyses indicate that the fire may have been caused by a possible technical malfunction or a short circuit in the electrical wiring. However, the exact reasons are currently being studied by specialists.

At present analytical work is under way to determine the amount of material damage and the dynamics of the fire’s spread. It was reported that relevant specialists are analysing the damaged cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle and the fire‑protection systems.

Likewise, movement control was ensured in good time so as not to affect traffic. Two‑way traffic of vehicles on the Kamchik Pass continues steadily. This shows that, despite the emergency, the road infrastructure and service systems are operating flawlessly.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Transport Safety Service issued a special statement regarding this incident. In their statement they called on the population to be cautious, to strengthen technical control and to observe fire‑safety rules under any circumstances.

At present the Kamchik Pass is considered one of the most important transport arteries of the country. Hundreds of freight trucks and thousands of passengers travel along this road every day. Therefore, such situations attract the attention not only of drivers but of the entire public.

The fire that arose in the freight vehicle once again indicates that, however modern any equipment may be, it must always be under control. Every driver must pay attention to the technical condition of his vehicle and undergo preventive inspections regularly.

Such fires can cause not only financial damage but also pose danger to human life. Therefore, before every trip, measures must be taken to eliminate the fire risk in the vehicle.

Thanks to the promptness of the rescuers and the high‑level work of the fire‑rescue service, a major tragedy was averted this time. Yet it would be no exaggeration to say that this was only due to good fortune.

Every road user, especially freight‑vehicle drivers, needs to feel responsibility for their cargo and obligations and actively participate in ensuring safety on the country’s internal roads.

In necessary cases, promptly contacting the emergency services, detecting a fire at an early stage and taking measures against it play a decisive role in saving human life.

No matter how effective fire‑fighting systems may be, first of all each person is responsible for his equipment, cargo and personal safety. It can be said with confidence that preventing such situations requires the conscious participation of not only the state but also the citizens themselves.

This incident once again proved that promptness and solidarity are among the main factors of an effective response to any disaster.

At the end of the article it should be noted that this fire on the Kamchik Pass was successfully resolved. However, the conclusions and lessons drawn from it must serve to prevent such incidents in the future. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!