A fire broke out in a vehicle passing through the Seo-gu expressway tunnel in western Seoul on the morning of the 3rd. This caused a complete blockage of traffic in both directions during rush hour, leading to inconveniences for commuters.
According to the Seoul traffic information system (TOPIS), traffic was blocked in the direction of Iljik IC on the western expressway tunnel in the Guro district starting around 7:07 a.m. From about 7:25 a.m., vehicle passage was also restricted in both directions at the Western Expressway toll gate to the Gwangmyeong Bridge section.
A representative from the Seoul Southern Urban Expressway, which manages the western expressway tunnel, stated, "A fire occurred in a vehicle. The fire did not originate at the toll gate."
The city of Seoul noted, "Traffic in both directions on the western expressway tunnel between Seongsan Bridge and Geumcheon IC is completely blocked due to fire extinguishing operations, causing severe congestion in the rear," and advised commuters to take detours.
According to the fire authorities, a report was received at 119 around 7:07 a.m. stating, "Flames are visible from the engine of a Volkswagen diesel vehicle." The fire was completely extinguished around 7:46 a.m.
According to the city of Seoul, traffic was limited in both directions on the western expressway tunnel around 8:26 a.m., about an hour after the fire broke out. However, as of 9:20 a.m., one lane in the direction of Iljik IC remains closed. A representative from the Seoul Southern Urban Expressway stated, "A fire vehicle is still present in the first lane, so it remains blocked. The towing operation is delayed."