Muscat: Firefighters from the Public Authority for Civil Defence (PACDA) managed to control a fire that engulfed the vehicle in Al Khoud. No injuries were reported. Similar vehicle incidents were reported from Salalah, Sur and Barka over the past week.

PACDA said that maintenance should be given top priority and suggested that damaged vehicle parts should be replaced with quality products, especially those related to engine.

The main causes of vehicle accidents include such negligence and lack of periodical maintenance of vehicles.

Motorists should make sure the adequate level of water coolant and also avoid installation of devices that increase the pressure on the engine and pose risk in the wake of high temperature.

PACDA has urged people to follow certain guidelines. 

• Use original parts to ensure safety.

• Regular maintenance of the vehicle and replacement of damaged parts with quality products.

• Approved technical workshops for repairs. • Avoid parking on the side of the road under direct sunlight. • Do not leave inflammable or explosive materials inside the vehicle, especially during the daytime. • Call emergency numbers (9999) or (24343666) to request help. A total of 984 vehicle fire incidents were reported in 2017, an increase of 92 incidents from 802 cases reported in 2016. In 2015, only 715 cases were reported.