Car Engine Catches Fire on Pra Phuket Kaeo Road; Foreign Driver Escapes, Rescuers Extinguish Blaze

At 5:50 p.m. on July 4, 2026, rescue units and Kathu Police Station received a report that a black Ford sedan had caught fire at the U-turn on Pra Phuket Kaeo Road in Kathu subdistrict, Kathu district, Phuket. The incident occurred during evening rush hour on a holiday. Witnesses said smoke emerged from the engine compartment before flames spread quickly.

When officers arrived, the car was stopped in the middle of the lane with flames coming from the front hood. The driver, a foreign national, was able to open the door and exit the vehicle before the fire intensified and did not suffer serious injuries. Rescue teams and local fire trucks used water and foam to control the blaze; it took about 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. The vehicle itself served as fuel for the fire and sustained heavy damage, especially to the engine compartment and electrical systems.

Forensics and Kathu traffic police inspected the scene. Initial observations indicate the fire started in the engine compartment. Officials collected traces, physical evidence, and photographic documentation for the case file while awaiting technical analysis by specialists to determine whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, engine problem, or other factors such as fuel leakage, body deterioration, or modifications for gas installation. Records also noted that the car was parked at the U-turn, causing traffic disruption and temporary lane diversions.

A vehicle fire in a tourist area like Kathu has alarmed transport operators and local residents, as this road connects Phuket town to major beaches and attractions; any emergency can affect tourist travel and freight movement. Local authorities urged drivers to regularly inspect their vehicles—particularly electrical systems, belts, radiators, and fuel leaks—before long trips or when traffic is heavy.

Police are awaiting a detailed inspection of the vehicle to conclude the exact cause. They also warned road users to keep distance during emergencies to prevent secondary accidents and to facilitate rescue operations. Tour operators and drivers who transport foreign tourists were advised to tighten pre-departure vehicle checks to protect Phuket’s safety reputation as an international tourist destination.