Athens, December 2 – A vehicle fire on Patision Avenue on Sunday evening caused extensive traffic delays and significant disruption for commuters heading towards Galatsi and Nea Filadelfia. The incident, which occurred between Kolia tsou Square and Agios Loukas, saw a car’s engine suddenly erupt in flames, prompting immediate action from emergency services.
Vehicle Engulfed in Flames on Uphill Stretch
The fire broke out while the car was travelling uphill on Patision Avenue. According to eyewitnesses, the engine compartment quickly became engulfed in flames. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, managed to abandon the vehicle promptly, ensuring no injuries were sustained during the incident. This swift action prevented potential harm, a crucial factor given the intensity of the blaze.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene without delay and worked efficiently to extinguish the fire. Despite their rapid response, the car suffered extensive damage and was reported to be almost completely destroyed. The severity of the fire necessitated the closure of the northbound lanes of Patision Avenue for an extended period. This closure was essential to allow emergency crews to safely manage the situation and clear the wreckage.
Major Traffic Congestion Across North Athens
The road closure had an immediate and significant impact on traffic flow. Long queues of vehicles quickly formed, leading to severe congestion throughout the area. Commuters travelling towards Galatsi and Nea Filadelfia experienced substantial delays, with many reporting being stuck in traffic for considerable periods. Authorities advised drivers to seek alternative routes, but the primary artery’s blockage inevitably led to widespread disruption.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of urban traffic networks to unforeseen events. Even a single vehicle fire on a major thoroughfare can have cascading effects, impacting thousands of commuters and requiring a coordinated emergency response. Investigations into the exact cause of the engine fire are expected to commence once the scene has been fully cleared and secured.
The Athens Traffic Police confirmed that normal traffic conditions were gradually restored in the early hours of Monday morning, following the complete removal of the damaged vehicle and thorough inspection of the road surface for any residual hazards.
Source: https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/12/02/car-fire-in-athens-causes-major-traffic-delays/
