How automatic detection helped prevent tragedy in the Vuache Tunnel

We were extremely relieved to learn that no one was injured in the serious fire that broke out in the Vuache Tunnel (A40) on June 11.

ATMB, the company responsible for managing the French side of the Mont Blanc Tunnel and the surrounding alpine highways, plays a key role in ensuring safe and efficient cross-border transportation.

This positive outcome is the result of a remarkably fast and coordinated response by ATMB’s operations teams and emergency services — and, crucially, of the automatic incident detection system that triggered the first alert.

Thanks to this early warning, the tunnel was closed before the fire fully broke out, preventing other vehicles from entering and avoiding what could have been a far more tragic situation.

At Citilog, we are proud to contribute to this level of safety. The timeline speaks for itself:

• 10:33 – The incident detection system identifies a stopped vehicle
  The ATMB control center immediately activates tunnel closure procedures
• 10:38 – Fire breaks out on the truck, but the tunnel is already closed
  Firefighters intervene swiftly, no other vehicles are involved, and the driver is safely evacuated
• By 5:30 AM the next day, safe traffic flow is restored through the unaffected tube

In such high-risk environments, early detection saves precious seconds — and lives.

This event is a clear illustration of how technology and operational excellence work hand-in-hand to protect road users. We are grateful and proud to support ATMB and its partners in their mission to make road infrastructure as safe as possible.

If you’d like to learn more about how automated incident detection can strengthen safety on your network, we’d be happy to discuss further.

Please find the ATMB‘s LinkedIn post for more context : https://shorturl.at/06WtB

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