The incident began at 3:45 p.m. when a 71-year-old man was driving his car northbound on cantonal road H13. According to the Graubünden cantonal police, between Soazza and the Mesocco Sud junction, the driver noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. After crossing the overpass over the A13 motorway, he stopped and left the vehicle in a parking lot near the castle of Mesocco. Within moments, flames erupted from the car, leading to a rapid escalation of the situation. The driver, who remained uninjured, quickly moved to a safe distance as the fire intensified.
Emergency services responded promptly, with several dispatched fire departments arriving to extinguish the flames. The firefighting efforts prevented the blaze from spreading, but the car was completely destroyed in the incident. Authorities have not confirmed whether any other vehicles or property were damaged, nor have they disclosed how long it took for the fire departments to fully extinguish the flames. The scene was secured by police to facilitate the investigation and ensure public safety.
The Graubünden cantonal police are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with a technical problem in the fuel system being the primary focus. The exact nature of this technical issue remains unclear, as investigators work to determine what specific malfunction may have led to the ignition. The driver, who remained uninjured, has not provided any additional public statements about the incident, and details about the exact location and condition of the parking lot where the car was left have not been released. This investigation underscores the importance of vehicle safety checks, particularly in older models where fuel system failures can pose significant risks. Police are expected to release more details as their inquiry progresses.