Be careful when repairing a flooded motorbike.

At noon on November 25, a thick column of black smoke rose from the NT auto repair shop on October 23rd Street, below Ngoc Hoi intersection (West Nha Trang Ward). Some employees in the shop quickly used portable fire extinguishers to put out the fire but could not control it because the fire broke out too quickly. Upon receiving the news, the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department (PCCC) and Rescue and Search and Rescue (CNCH) of the Provincial Police mobilized vehicles and dozens of officers and soldiers to the scene. Later, the fire was completely extinguished. The authorities and employees brought the three burned auto repairmen to safety and then took them to Khanh Hoa General Hospital for emergency treatment. One of the victims suffered multiple injuries, while the other two suffered less serious burns. After initial first aid, all three were transferred to the Orthopedic and Burn Center, Khanh Hoa General Hospital for further treatment.

Fire scene.

At the scene, the fire was concentrated in a small room where at least two heavily flooded motorbikes were being disassembled and repaired. Outside the room, many motorbike parts were also disassembled. Some witnesses said they heard a small explosion like an electrical short before the fire broke out. Mr. T. - a motorbike repairman present at the shop at the time of the incident said: "Because the motorbikes brought in for repair still had gas in the tank and the electrical wires were wet, the risk was high. When the fire was discovered, everyone shouted to each other to run out, at the same time looking for portable fire extinguishers to put out the fire and save their colleagues."

Currently, the Tay Nha Trang Ward Police are coordinating with the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department and the Provincial Police to investigate the cause of the fire. However, this incident warns of the danger of repairing a flooded motorbike if you lack knowledge and do not follow safety procedures.

Many experienced auto mechanics said that these days, the shops are overloaded because of the large number of flooded cars. Many mechanics have to work continuously from morning to night, leading to a loss of concentration. Some young, inexperienced mechanics are subjective when working on cars with gasoline and wet electrical systems. Mr. Nguyen Van Xuan - the owner of a long-time auto mechanic shop in Nam Nha Trang ward shared: "Flooded cars can easily cause electrical short circuits if the polarity is connected incorrectly. What's more dangerous is that many mechanics still have the habit of smoking when draining gasoline from the tank or leaving gasoline on the floor and then using a fan to dry the engine. Just a small spark from a cigarette, from a welding machine, or from an electrical short circuit can cause an immediate fire. Unfortunately, many young people working in the profession have not been properly trained in fire safety when repairing flooded cars."

Lieutenant Colonel Ho Chi Thanh - Deputy Head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of the Provincial Police Department recommends that people should absolutely not try to start flooded motorbikes on the spot because it can easily cause a short circuit or explosion. The correct way to handle this is to turn off the ignition, remove the spark plug to drain all the water in the engine; do not disassemble and clean the electrical parts yourself if you do not have experience. After that, people should take their motorbikes to reputable repair shops with skilled workers. For motorbike repairmen, it is necessary to strictly follow the procedure: Remove the gas tank from the motorbike, pour all the remaining gas into a separate can, place it far from the repair area; completely dry the electrical system before testing the connection. Absolutely do not smoke, do not use open flames, or welding machines near areas with gasoline vapor. Motorbike repair shops need to be equipped with suitable powder or _CO2 fire extinguishers to handle incidents promptly.

JACKIE CHAN

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202511/can-trong-khi-sua-xe-may-bi-ngap-nuoc-6da14fc/