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> Gasoline fuel tanks can explode. Google it. They do, but it's extremely rare (thanks to modern inventions like pressure relief valves). When a fuel tank expl

> Gasoline fuel tanks can explode. Google it. They do, but it's extremely rare (thanks to modern inventions like pressure relief valves). When a fuel tank explodes, it's not because the fuel inside detonates, it's because the fuel inside is being vaporized by the heat of the external fire, and that vapor takes up a whole lot more space, resulting in a huge pressure increase, resulting in a BLEVE. If a pressure release valve can vent the pressure before that happens, no explosion... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_liquid_expanding_vapor_explosion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_liquid_expanding_vapor_... That being said... I doubt there was actually an explosion. The car simply caught fire. There were certainly pops and bangs as various compressed gas cylinders (for things like air bags, doors, bumpers, seatbelts, etc) BELEVE'd, but I seriously doubt there was any major explosion. The 'bomb' sounds were simply the crash itself.

lostlogin 13y ago
As a young child I vividly recall my parents car catching fire and burning out. I think it was a Morris Marina. Fuel line perished and by design genius, it crossed the exhaust something like seven times we were later told. Anyway, the fire caught and was though the dash before the car came to a halt. We bundled out, and moments later the fire brigade turned up, as the station was just around the corner. They were very relieved that the fuel tank was full, and this significantly decreased the risk of explosion. It seems logical too, as a lack of vapour makes it harder to ignite.
- JshWright 13y ago
  Vehicle fires are some of the most nerve-wracking fires you'll ever respond to... Always approach from a corner, sweep the hose stream under the vehicle to push out any burning fluids, then flood the interior with as much water as you have. There are so many things in a car that will try to hurt you... Those little hydraulic cylinders that prop up your rear hatch? When those heat up enough to cook off, they'll drive that rod through your leg... The compressed gas cylinders that give the bumpers their 'bumpiness' will kick the bumper out hard enough to break a knee... Hopefully the fire hasn't gotten hot enough to ignite the magnesium that is in a lot of modern vehicles... And here's hoping electric car manufacturers really know their stuff... A lithium fire doesn't sound like fun at all.

lostlogin 13y ago

As a young child I vividly recall my parents car catching fire and burning out. I think it was a Morris Marina. Fuel line perished and by design genius, it crossed the exhaust something like seven times we were later told. Anyway, the fire caught and was though the dash before the car came to a halt. We bundled out, and moments later the fire brigade turned up, as the station was just around the corner. They were very relieved that the fuel tank was full, and this significantly decreased the risk of explosion. It seems logical too, as a lack of vapour makes it harder to ignite.

JshWright 13y ago
Vehicle fires are some of the most nerve-wracking fires you'll ever respond to... Always approach from a corner, sweep the hose stream under the vehicle to push out any burning fluids, then flood the interior with as much water as you have. There are so many things in a car that will try to hurt you... Those little hydraulic cylinders that prop up your rear hatch? When those heat up enough to cook off, they'll drive that rod through your leg... The compressed gas cylinders that give the bumpers their 'bumpiness' will kick the bumper out hard enough to break a knee... Hopefully the fire hasn't gotten hot enough to ignite the magnesium that is in a lot of modern vehicles... And here's hoping electric car manufacturers really know their stuff... A lithium fire doesn't sound like fun at all.