Car Fire on Peninsula Link Causes Major Delays and Hospitalisation in Melbourne’s Southeast – February 27, 2025

Incident Overview
A car fire on Peninsula Link in Melbourne’s southeast has caused significant disruptions for morning commuters on February 27, 2025 . The incident occurred when a vehicle burst into flames in the middle of the freeway near Frankston-Dandenong Road. One person was hospitalised following the fire, and all citybound lanes were temporarily closed, leading to major traffic delays of up to 40 minutes. While all lanes have since reopened, congestion remains severe, prompting authorities to recommend alternative routes for commuters.

Location and Time
The car fire occurred on Peninsula Link , a major freeway in Melbourne’s southeast, near the intersection with Frankston-Dandenong Road . The incident took place during the morning commute on February 27, 2025 , causing widespread delays for drivers heading into the city.

Vehicles Involved
The incident involved a single vehicle that caught fire while traveling on Peninsula Link. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but emergency services were called to the scene to extinguish the flames and ensure the safety of those involved.

Crash Description
Emergency services were alerted to the car fire after reports of a vehicle bursting into flames in the middle of Peninsula Link. The fire forced the closure of all citybound lanes over Frankston-Dandenong Road as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control.

One occupant of the vehicle was taken to Frankston Public Hospital for treatment. Their condition remains unknown at this stage. The fire caused significant damage to the vehicle and left debris on the roadway, requiring cleanup efforts before the lanes could be reopened.

While all lanes have since been reopened, the Department of Transport has warned that traffic remains heavily congested due to the backlog caused by the temporary closure. Commuters are advised to expect delays of up to 40 minutes and consider alternative routes to avoid the affected area.

Injuries/Fatalities
One person was hospitalised following the car fire. They were transported to Frankston Public Hospital in an unknown condition. No other injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the incident.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, responded promptly to the scene to manage the fire and assist the vehicle’s occupant. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and clear the area of debris, while paramedics provided medical care to the individual before transporting them to the hospital.

Traffic management teams were also deployed to coordinate the reopening of lanes and direct drivers through the heavily congested area. Authorities have urged patience and caution as residual delays continue to affect the commute.

Community Impact
The car fire has caused significant disruption for morning commuters traveling on Peninsula Link, one of Melbourne’s busiest freeways. The temporary closure of all citybound lanes created long delays and frustration among drivers, particularly during peak travel hours.

Authorities have recommended alternative routes, such as the Frankston Freeway or Western Port Highway , to help alleviate congestion. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by vehicle fires on busy roadways and the cascading effects they can have on traffic flow.

Investigation
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the car fire. Key areas of focus include:

• Potential mechanical issues with the vehicle that may have sparked the fire.
• Environmental factors, such as weather conditions or road hazards, that could have contributed to the incident.
• Whether driver error or external factors played a role in the fire breaking out.

Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward to assist with their inquiries.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors include:

• Mechanical failure, such as an electrical fault or overheating engine, which may have caused the vehicle to catch fire.
• Road conditions or debris on the freeway that could have ignited the flames.
• Possible driver error, such as improper maintenance of the vehicle or failure to address warning signs of malfunction.