Small Truck Bursts into Flames in Miaoli City; Driver Escapes Unharmed
A small truck carrying an excavator bucket caught fire in Miaoli City on the morning of the 1st. The driver escaped safely.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 1, 2026 at 11:37
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 11:52 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 1, 2026 at 11:58 (5 min after Collected)
According to CNA reporter Guan Rui-ping from Miaoli County, a small truck carrying an excavator bucket suddenly caught fire while passing near the Chang Chun Chemical plant in Miaoli City this morning. The driver noticed the anomaly, stopped the vehicle immediately, and fled in a panic, unable to even retrieve his wallet. The fire was extinguished by firefighters, and fortunately, there were no casualties.
The driver, a 60-year-old man surnamed Chiu, recounted the harrowing experience. Around 8:00 AM, while traveling from Houlong Township to a construction site in Touwu Township, he noticed flames near the vehicle's battery while passing the intersection of Section 6, Jingguo Road and Yichun Road. He stopped to check and called 119 for help. However, when he turned back to retrieve his belongings after the call, the fire had already spread uncontrollably, and he could not even grab his wallet.
The Miaoli County Fire Bureau dispatch center received the report and immediately sent the Miaoli and Special Search and Rescue squads to the scene. By the time they arrived, the truck was almost a ball of fire. Because there was an oil drum on the vehicle, firefighters proceeded with caution and immediately deployed hoses. Fortunately, the drum contained only a small amount of diesel, and the fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported.
After the fire was put out, the truck was reduced to a skeleton. The owner arrived at the scene and suspected that weeds might have become stuck on the drive shaft, causing overheating and sparking the fire after the vehicle started. The exact cause of the fire remains under further investigation.
The driver, a 60-year-old man surnamed Chiu, recounted the harrowing experience. Around 8:00 AM, while traveling from Houlong Township to a construction site in Touwu Township, he noticed flames near the vehicle's battery while passing the intersection of Section 6, Jingguo Road and Yichun Road. He stopped to check and called 119 for help. However, when he turned back to retrieve his belongings after the call, the fire had already spread uncontrollably, and he could not even grab his wallet.
The Miaoli County Fire Bureau dispatch center received the report and immediately sent the Miaoli and Special Search and Rescue squads to the scene. By the time they arrived, the truck was almost a ball of fire. Because there was an oil drum on the vehicle, firefighters proceeded with caution and immediately deployed hoses. Fortunately, the drum contained only a small amount of diesel, and the fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported.
After the fire was put out, the truck was reduced to a skeleton. The owner arrived at the scene and suspected that weeds might have become stuck on the drive shaft, causing overheating and sparking the fire after the vehicle started. The exact cause of the fire remains under further investigation.
FAQ
Are vehicle fires common in Miaoli City?
Vehicle fires are not common, but incidents caused by poor maintenance or debris are potential risks.