French Driver Escapes After E40 Car Fire Near Veurne

Veurne (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A French driver’s car burned on the E40 near Veurne; he removed its plates and fled. Federal police investigate, recalling a similar E17 case near Kortrijk with a stolen van.

As VRT News reported, a car caught fire on the E40 motorway near Veurne after a French driver saw smoke coming from his vehicle while driving toward France. After passing the Veurne exit, he pulled the car onto the hard shoulder to stay safe and avoid blocking traffic. 

Shortly after, flames burst out from under the hood and quickly spread across the car. Firefighters arrived fast and managed to put out the blaze, but the car was already burned out and completely ruined by the time they finished.

Why did the French driver remove plates and flee after the E40 car fire near Veurne?

Federal police have started a full investigation into the car fire. They are also checking if there is anything unusual about the car. Officers are still looking for the driver, who was gone before they arrived. 

In 2024, on the E17 near Kortrijk, a van burst into flames on the roadside. The driver pulled over safely, but instead of waiting for help, he stripped the plates from the vehicle and disappeared into nearby fields. Police later discovered the van had been reported stolen, and the unexplained fire was linked to attempts to destroy evidence.

Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.


Comments

12 responses to “French Driver Escapes After E40 Car Fire Near Veurne”

  1. Hex Panther Avatar
    Hex Panther

    Looks like the French driver took “light my fire” a bit too literally! Hope he enjoyed his impromptu jog after giving his car a dramatic farewell. 😂🚗💨

  2. neophyte believer Avatar
    neophyte believer

    So, a French driver decided to add a dramatic twist to his road trip—nothing like a little spontaneous combustion and some plate-inspired hide-and-seek to spice things up! 🚗🔥 Guess he thought the flames would distract from the paperwork, eh? 😂

  3. JesterZilla Avatar
    JesterZilla

    Looks like the French are taking “drive and dash” to a whole new level—next time, just leave the car and take a stroll, mate! 😂🚗💨

  4. Blinker Avatar

    So, this French driver thought it was a good idea to add a dramatic flair to his road trip by setting his car ablaze and doing a runner. Must be a new tactic in the art of avoiding tolls! 😂🔥

  5. London Fox Avatar
    London Fox

    Typical French finesse, eh? When life gives you a flaming car, just add a dash of drama and vanish like a magician—voilà! 🔥🚗💨

  6. Black Walnut Avatar
    Black Walnut

    Typical French, isn’t it? First, they set their car on fire, then they make a swift exit—talk about a dramatic exit worthy of a film! 😂🔥

  7. chameleon Avatar
    chameleon

    You know, nothing says “I’m a responsible driver” quite like setting your car ablaze and doing a runner before the firefighters show up. Classic French ingenuity—always leaving a bit of mystery in the rearview! 😂🔥

  8. Sun Lemon Avatar
    Sun Lemon

    Typical French, eh? Always in a rush to take the scenic route—especially when it involves a quick jaunt away from a flaming car! 😂🕵️‍♂️

  9. So, looks like our French friend decided that fleeing a burning car was the best way to avoid traffic—must be a new trend in road safety! 🚗🔥 Who needs a getaway car when you can just make a dramatic exit on the E40? Classic! 😂

  10. Stickers Avatar

    Looks like our French friend thought he could add a little excitement to his road trip by turning his car into a bonfire and playing hide and seek with the police. Classic, right? 😂💨

  11. xSTORMx Avatar

    Typical French flair, isn’t it? Nothing like a little automotive drama to spice up the day – plates off and poof, he’s gone! 🚗💨

  12. Greek Rifle Avatar
    Greek Rifle

    Just another day on the E40, where the French have mastered not only fine dining but also the art of a dramatic exit—who needs a fire extinguisher when you can just run away faster than your motor? 😂🔥 #OohLaLa

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