Incendie du tunnel du Mont-Blanc - Chamonix, France - Famous Fires on Waymarking.com

[FR] Provoqué vers 11 h 00 par l'embrasement d'un camion frigorifique semi-remorque belge transportant de la margarine et de la farine, à environ 7 km de l'entrée française du tunnel, le violent incendie cause la mort de 39 personnes et entraîne la fermeture du tunnel pendant une durée d'environ 3 ans.

L'incendie aura duré près de 53 heures et provoqué la destruction de 24 poids lourds, 9 véhicules légers et 1 moto, sans prendre en compte les deux véhicules de secours immobilisés dans le tunnel sans qu'ils aient pu intervenir. Le procès qui a suivi a établi des failles de sécurité importantes : les procédures d'urgence ainsi que les mesures de sécurité n'avaient pas été respectées depuis de nombreuses années.

[EN] There were 27 deaths in vehicles, and 10 more died trying to escape on foot. All the deceased were ultimately reduced to bones and ash. Of the initial 50 people trapped by the fire, 12 survived. It was more than five days before the tunnel cooled sufficiently to start repairs.

The tunnel underwent major changes in the three years it remained closed after the fire.

Type of Structure: other Other: Tunnel Fire Date: 03/24/1999 Structure status: Still standing building Cause of Fire: The cause of the fire is disputed. One account reported it to be a cigarette stub carelessly thrown at the truck, which supposedly entered the engine induction snorkel above the cabin, setting the paper air filter on fire. Others blamed a mechanical or electrical fault, or poor maintenance of the truck's engine. Documentation of the fire: [Web Link] Construction Date: Not listed

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