I-8 Markaz Car Fire Renews Debate Over Fire Extinguishers in Vehicles
A vehicle caught fire in Islamabad's busy I-8 Markaz while family members were reportedly inside, as the incident sparked fresh concerns over emergency response, fire safety preparedness, and the availability of fire extinguishers in vehicles and commercial areas.
ISLAMABAD: A vehicle fire in Islamabad’s I-8 Markaz on Sunday has reignited public debate over the importance of carrying fire extinguishers in vehicles and strengthening emergency preparedness in the capital’s commercial centres.
According to initial information, the vehicle owner had briefly left the car running while going to a nearby shop, while family members reportedly remained inside the vehicle. Moments later, the vehicle’s engine compartment caught fire, triggering panic among bystanders.
Eyewitnesses said the owner and several members of the public tried to extinguish the flames using whatever resources were available. However, they claimed that no fire brigade or rescue team arrived during the critical early stages of the incident. Witnesses also reported that nearby shops did not have readily accessible fire extinguishers, making it difficult to contain the blaze before it intensified.
Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism. Many users questioned the availability of emergency firefighting equipment in one of Islamabad’s busiest commercial centres i8 Markaz and urged authorities to improve fire safety standards and emergency response mechanisms.
The incident has also renewed discussion about the importance of keeping fire extinguishers in vehicles, particularly as engine fires can escalate within minutes. Safety experts advise motorists to regularly inspect their vehicles for electrical or fuel-system faults and to carry a properly maintained fire extinguisher that can be used during the initial stages of a fire, provided it is safe to do so.
No official statement detailing the cause of the fire or confirming the extent of any injuries had been issued at the time of filing this report.
