Fire Breaks Out on 7.5-Ton Cargo Truck on Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway in Haman; No Injuries Reported

Firefighters are extinguishing flames erupting from a cargo truck. Photo by Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters

At approximately 2:28 a.m. on January 9, a fire broke out with a loud bang from a 7.5-ton cargo truck traveling near the Chilseo Interchange (IC) on the Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway in the direction of Daegu, located in Chilseo-myeon, Haman-gun, Gyeongnam Province.

The fire destroyed 10 tons of solid powder-type plastic resin raw material loaded on the truck, and the rear of the vehicle and the cargo compartment were burned, resulting in property damage estimated at around 18 million won, according to the fire department.

The driver, in his 50s, noticed black smoke rising with a bang from the rear wheel area, pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder, and escaped, so there were no injuries.

Upon receiving the report, the fire authorities dispatched 36 personnel, including 31 firefighters, and 15 pieces of equipment. They brought the main blaze under control by 3:14 a.m. and fully extinguished the fire by 3:57 a.m. that day.

At the time of the fire, the driver was on his way to deliver resin raw materials from Ulsan to Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.

Due to the fire, two lanes of the expressway in the area were closed for about two hours, but as traffic was light in the early morning hours, there was no significant congestion.

The police and fire authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire based on the driver's statement and other evidence.