On Monday morning, a chain reaction occurred in Schwaigern near Heilbronn in Baden-Württemberg after an electric car plugged into a charging station caught fire. The flames spread to a camper van containing gas cylinders, which exploded due to the heat. This damaged several other cars parked nearby, as well as an adjacent house and a building on the opposite side of the street. (swr: 16.02.26)
Chain reaction caused by gas cylinders – explosions increase damage
When the fire department arrived, the electric car and camper van were already completely engulfed in flames. The critical point was the camper van, as it contained gas cylinders. The intense heat caused them to explode, damaging other nearby vehicles. At the same time, the risk from pressure waves, flying debris, and sparks increased, requiring firefighters to work safely and with protective gear.
Fire Chief Sandro Esslinger described the start as a highly dynamic phase. He said, “We had to extinguish the fire from behind the gas cylinders and make sure the wind didn’t spread the flames to neighboring buildings.” This wind played a crucial role because it could push flames and smoke toward the buildings. As a result, not only the metal parts of the vehicles were affected, but also the building structure itself.
Fire spreads to residential building – damage on both sides of the street
The flames reached an adjacent residential building, causing damage. A building on the opposite side of the street was also affected. This transformed the operation from a simple vehicle fire into a scenario that directly impacted the living quarters and the surrounding neighborhood. At the same time, firefighters had to prevent the situation from escalating further, as closely parked vehicles could act as an accelerant to spread the fire.
Despite the hazardous situation, the fire department reported that extinguishing the electric car itself did not pose any particular problems. However, the surrounding area remained critical, as explosions can alter any situation. Furthermore, the fire department had to constantly monitor for the formation of new ignition points. In moments like these, speed is crucial, but so is control.
Charging station suspected as the cause – mid-six-figure damage
The electric car was plugged into a charging station, and police currently suspect a technical defect as the cause. A final determination is still pending, as fire investigations take time and every detail is examined. Initial estimates place the property damage in the mid-six-figure range. This includes not only vehicle damage but also damaged facades and affected building components.
The scale of the incident demonstrates how quickly a chain reaction can occur when several factors converge. These include close proximity, flammable materials, and additional energy sources such as gas cylinders. Equally critical is how early a fire is detected. Minutes can make all the difference if flames spread to the nearest object.
Smoke plume over the B293 – traffic disrupted, but not closed
The fire produced a large plume of smoke that disrupted traffic on the B293. According to reports, a closure of the highway was not necessary. Nevertheless, such situations pose an additional risk because reduced visibility can increase the likelihood of accidents. Therefore, emergency personnel are consistently securing the area and keeping onlookers at a distance.
For residents, the situation remained not only noisy but also stressful. Anyone who notices smoke should close their windows and avoid the affected area until emergency services give the all-clear. It is also advisable to take a close look at parking spaces, distances, and the storage of gas cylinders. Once a fire starts, the next chain reaction can begin faster than many realize.