Memories of the 1999 Mont Blanc tunnel fire in which 39 people perished were once again at the forefront of thoughts in the valley yesterday, as news broke of a lorry fire in the Chatelard Tunnel on the way up to Chamonix from Servoz.
The lorry, loaded with tomatoes and being driven by a Belgian who was accompanied by his wife, started to catch fire just as they entered the tunnel. Fortunately, the couple realised smoke was coming into the cabin and they had time to stop, get out of the lorry and head to the tunnel exit just as the fire caught hold in the engine. No other vehicles were trapped inside the tunnel and there no casualties.
The security installations in the tunnel which have recently been updated, did exactly as they should, with the fire detection cameras detecting the fire and automatically closing the barriers at the entrance to the tunnel, with the Gendarmes and the Fire Services being simultaneously alerted.
Quickly on the scene, diversions were set up as the fire service stayed at the entrance of the tunnel, rather than venturing into the intense heat inside the tunnel, to successfully fight the flames. The operation was helped by using a truck purpose-built for fighting fires in tunnels.
The cab of the lorry was completely destroyed in the fire, but the trailer was, miraculously saved, but we've go no details on whether those tomatoes survived or turned into soup!
Following the fire, the tunnel is expected to be closed for two weeks for essential repairs to lights, video surveillance and even concrete panels that were severely damaged in the fire. During this time, the descent from Chamonix will be a contraflow around the tunnel, so please allow extra time when leaving the Valley.
UPDATE:
Following initial investigations after the tunnel fire, it is now expected to be re-opened by the 29th August, so long as the engineers needed to repair the electrical damage are available.
