SAEDNEWS: On March 24, 1999, the Mont Blanc tunnel fire disaster occurred between France and Italy.
According to the Science and Technology Service of SaedNews, this incident led to the design and construction of a specialized and unique fire truck. On that day, a cargo truck carrying margarine and flour caught fire inside a tunnel. The tunnel was relatively narrow, and thick, toxic smoke quickly filled the entire space.
The blaze completely halted traffic, trapping hundreds of vehicles in both directions. The heavy congestion prevented conventional fire trucks from entering the tunnel, leaving emergency responders unable to reach the fire in time. The fire raged for over 53 hours, ultimately claiming 39 lives and injuring around 14 others.
Subsequent investigations revealed that one of the main reasons for the disaster’s scale and high casualties was the lack of emergency vehicles capable of navigating the tunnel’s tight, crowded spaces. To prevent similar tragedies, a bidirectional (Janus) fire truck was designed and built.
Key features of this vehicle include:
Dual driving cabins (front and rear) allowing movement in either direction without turning around.
Sideways movement capability for maneuvering through heavy traffic and dense congestion.
Special design for rapid entry into tunnels and confined spaces.
This innovation significantly reduces emergency response times and can dramatically lower casualties in critical situations.
