A mother and her son were quick to rush out of their car just moments before it catches fire in Singapore. The vehicle burst into flames outside Maris Stella High School along Bartley Road.
The driver was on her way to drop her son off at school on Thursday (13 January) morning when the incident happened.
Mother And Son Escape Car Moments Before It Catches Fire In Singapore
The owner of the black Mercedes-Benz GLB200 who wanted to be known only as Ms Quek told The Straits Times that she was driving her Primary 1 son to school.
They were queueing to the school when suddenly they sensed something was amiss. Both mother and son then started to smell something burning. Due to this, the driver's son suggested that they evacuate the car immediately.
His exact words to her were reportedly: "Mummy, let's get out."
When they left the vehicle, the mother contacted 995 and was heard seeking assistance from the school.
It was only moments later when their car burst into flames. Every few minutes, explosions could be heard from the burning vehicle. There was even black smoke rising from the car that billowed towards the school.
SCDF Puts Out The Fire
A few minutes after the car caught on fire, ST reports that a security guard came out of the school with a fire extinguisher and tried to put out the fire. But this was to no avail as the flames wouldn't go out.
Thankfully, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) arrived at the scene and successfully put out the fire.
An SCDF spokesman said they were alerted about the incident at about 7.30am. The firefighters managed to extinguish the fire using two compressed air foam backpacks and a hose reel, according to ST.
No injuries have been reported from the incident. The cause of the fire is also currently under investigation.
What To Do When Your Car Catches On Fire
Accidents can be unexpected but we can always ensure the safety of our kids by knowing what to do if there are potential dangers such as a fire. Here are a few tips from Policy Bazaar to keep in mind if ever your car catches fire in Singapore:
1. Stop your car and turn off its engine
Once you sense something is wrong such as smelling or seeing smoke coming out of your vehicle, immediately park your car and turn off the engine.
2. Quickly evacuate the car
When you've turned off your car, immediately exit the vehicle. Make sure to also warn the person in the car with you to leave the vehicle as well. If you're being accompanied by a child or elderly, calmy help them out of the car.
3. Move away to a safe distance
Time to put some distance between you and your car. Move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle to avoid being harmed by the flames or injured if ever the car explodes. Make sure to warn other bystanders as well to keep away from the car.
4. Contact the authorities
If your car does catch on fire, do not hesitate to contact SCDF at 995 and inform them about the fire. You can also call up your car insurance company once everyone is safe and the fire has been put out.
5. Do NOT try to extinguish the fire on your own
Trying to douse the fire by yourself will only put you in even more danger. Best to wait for the firefighters to arrive.
Source: The Straits Times, Policy Bazaar
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