Car bursts into flames on Brooklyn Bridge, traffic grinds to halt | Watch

(Image: X/JohnHidk)

Traffic on New York’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge came to a standstill Friday afternoon after a car suddenly caught fire, sending plumes of thick black smoke billowing across the East River skyline, according to the New York Fire Department (FDNY).

Officials said the blaze broke out around 2:06 pm local time on the Brooklyn-bound side of the bridge. The FDNY confirmed that fire crews rushed to the scene and quickly brought the flames under control. No injuries were reported.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said all lanes heading into Brooklyn were temporarily shut down as firefighters battled the blaze. The closure caused severe congestion throughout Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn during rush hour.

Images and videos shared on X  captured the dramatic scene: a vehicle fully engulfed in flames as dark smoke rose high above the bridge, leaving drivers stranded in both directions.

Couple of minutes ago cycling through the Brooklyn bridge bike lane

Couldn’t really see what was really going on but a car caught on fire pic.twitter.com/WLcqsXnMie

— John H (@JohnHidk) October 24, 2025

“Car caught on fire on the Brooklyn Bridge 30 mins ago. All traffic on both ends are at a complete halt,” one commuter posted on social media. Another cyclist wrote, “Couple of minutes ago cycling through the Brooklyn Bridge bike lane. Couldn’t really see what was going on but a car caught on fire.”

Notify NYC, the city’s official emergency alert service, urged commuters to seek alternate routes, posting: “Vehicle Fire: Brooklyn-bound traffic delays on the Brooklyn Bridge. Consider alternate routes and allow for additional travel time.”

The NYPD also issued an advisory, warning of “significant delays” and asking drivers to avoid the area.

While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, FDNY investigators are examining the burned vehicle for possible mechanical or electrical faults. The bridge reopened later in the evening, though residual traffic delays persisted into the night, authorities said.

Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media, with several users expressing shock at the intensity of the flames.