Mont Blanc tunnel fire detected early

A lorry was stopped before entering the Mont Blanc tunnel yesterday as there were signs of a fire staring in the engine block.

Since the tragic fire in the Mont Blanc tunnel in 1999 a number of security measures have been put in place which include an initial check for LGV clearance heights and Euro category before passing through two heat detection portals – one at the bottom of the valley in Le Fayet and the second right at the tunnel entrance. Security cameras have also been put in place all along the tunnel.

The thermal detector situated at the entrance of the tunnel managed to spot the beginnings of a fire within the engine block of a lorry.
Fire-fighters extinguished the threat and a replacement truck was called in to carry on the rest of the journey.