Sydney’s morning commute was thrown into chaos after a car caught fire inside the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, forcing a temporary closure in both directions and causing kilometres of traffic delays. One person was treated for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital.
The incident happened shortly after 8am on Wednesday, during the morning peak.
Footage from inside the tunnel showed thick smoke filling the roadway as motorists were forced to stop and the tunnel’s sprinkler system activated.
Authorities temporarily closed the Sydney Harbour Tunnel in both directions, creating major congestion around the Sydney Harbour Bridge, North Sydney and surrounding approaches.
Five fire trucks responded
Firefighters were alerted by both a Triple Zero call and the tunnel’s automated fire alarm.
According to Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Peter Murray, five fire trucks were dispatched to the incident.
Two crews entered the tunnel and used a cross passage from the opposite tunnel to reach the burning vehicle.
The fire was extinguished and the badly damaged car was later removed by tunnel operators.
One person taken to hospital
One person was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation and transported to hospital.
No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the vehicle fire has not yet been confirmed.
Traffic backed up for kilometres
The incident caused severe congestion during peak hour, with traffic queues stretching for kilometres along the Warringah Freeway in North Sydney.
Both northbound and southbound lanes have since reopened.
Live Traffic NSW has warned motorists to continue allowing extra travel time and to expect residual delays while congestion clears.
Tunnel reopened
Traffic is gradually returning to normal, but the disruption highlighted how quickly a single incident in one of Sydney’s key transport corridors can affect thousands of commuters.
The Sydney Harbour Tunnel is now open again, but drivers are being urged to remain cautious and allow extra time for their journey.
