Fire in or collapse of a tunnel
Tunnels are important links in the traffic chain. There are often few alternative routes. The impact of a fire or tunnel collapse on roads, on the underground or on railways can therefore be serious.
BEFORE
- Respect the speed limit.
- Keep your distance.
- Turn your lights on.
DURING
- Put your hazard lights on.
- Get out of the tunnel, if you can. Is that not possible? Park as close as possible to the wall of the tunnel.
- Switch off the engine. Leave the key in the ignition.
- Leave your vehicle. Get to safety by using the emergency exits. Look at the direction of the smoke and escape in the opposite direction towards an emergency exit.
- Call for help from an emergency phone in the tunnel.
AFTER
Follow the traffic information.
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe a considerable collapse in a tunnel. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- The fire or explosion occurs in an urban or residential area.
- The buildings within a 500-metre radius are at risk. Non-structural damage can extend up to 5,000 metres.
- A strong wind or dry weather can aggravate a fire or explosion.
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Strong
Human impact
No impact
Societal impact
Very weak
Environmental impact
No impact
Financial impact
No impact
What do the authorities do?
Tunnel safety is the responsibility of:
- Agency for Roads and Traffic - Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer (Flanders)
- Brussels Transport and Mobility (Brussels)
- WPS Infrastructure (Wallonia)
The emergency services regularly practice different scenarios in tunnels.