Car Bursts Into Flames on Milos Veliki Highway Near Lajkovac
A passenger vehicle caught fire in the morning hours on the Milos Veliki highway after the Lajkovac interchange, heading toward Cacak. Crews quickly removed the burned-out car, traffic returned to normal, and no injuries were reported.
- A passenger vehicle caught fire in the morning hours on the Milos Veliki highway after the Lajkovac interchange, heading toward Cacak.
- Crews responded at once and cleared the burned-out car from the roadway.
- Traffic on that stretch then returned to normal.
- No injuries were reported, according to available information.
A car caught fire in the morning hours on the Milos Veliki highway. The blaze broke out after the Lajkovac interchange, in the direction of Cacak. Flames engulfed the vehicle within a short time, and thick smoke rose above the roadway. The scene was unsettling for approaching drivers, but there were no serious consequences.
Crews reached the site immediately. The burned-out vehicle was quickly cleared from the carriageway. After the intervention, traffic on that stretch returned to normal. According to available information, no one was hurt in the fire.
What happened on the stretch near Lajkovac
The fire broke out on one of Serbia’s busiest transit routes. The Milos Veliki highway links Belgrade with the western and southwestern parts of the country. In summer, the section near Lajkovac carries heavy traffic, with travelers heading toward Cacak and further south.
The cause of the fire has not been officially announced. Vehicle fires that start while driving most often result from mechanical faults, fuel leaks, or engine overheating. The final assessment will come from the relevant services, based on an inspection of the vehicle and the circumstances of the fire.
For drivers on the section in those minutes, the key was to slow down and keep their distance. Thick smoke on an open road reduces visibility and easily leads to sudden braking. Such moments carry a risk of chain collisions, even when the initial incident leaves no one injured.
The swift response by the crews prevented longer delays. Removing the burned-out vehicle allowed traffic to return to normal without major congestion. No further incident was recorded on the section after the intervention.
Why is caution on the highway crucial in summer?
Putevi Srbije, the national road authority, urged drivers to adjust their speed to road conditions. The appeal is not a formality. In summer, several risk factors overlap on highways at once. High temperatures put extra strain on engines and tires. Traffic is heavier because of the holiday season. Fatigue on longer routes lowers a driver’s concentration.
An overheated vehicle and a small technical fault on hot asphalt can quickly escalate into a fire. That is why it is wise to check fluid levels, tire condition, and engine temperature before setting off. At the first sign of smoke or an unusual smell, the vehicle should be brought safely to a stop on the hard shoulder, and everyone should move away from it.
An adjusted speed gives a driver time to react. In a situation with smoke or an obstacle on the road, that time is often the difference between a safe stop and a crash. The case near Lajkovac ended without injuries, but the next one may not.
Do you check your vehicle before every longer summer trip, or do you leave it to luck on the road?
