Kerobokan, Bali — A late Christmas night in one of Bali’s busiest tourism corridors briefly turned tense when a car caught fire on Jalan Petitenget, underscoring the risks that accompany peak holiday travel on the island.
At approximately 10:35 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, a Daihatsu Xenia operated by Agus Purwanto, a Grab driver, was engulfed in flames while traveling through Kerobokan Kelod. The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, destroyed the vehicle entirely. No injuries were reported.
The incident occurred in an area known for its dense mix of restaurants, villas, nightlife venues, and late night traffic. With Christmas crowds still moving between Seminyak and surrounding neighborhoods, the sudden blaze caused momentary panic among motorists and pedestrians nearby.
According to officials, the first emergency call came from Putu Aditya, an online motorcycle taxi driver who witnessed the fire and immediately alerted the Badung Fire and Rescue Agency. Within minutes, firefighting units from the Tibubeneng Nataru post and Kunti station were dispatched, navigating through heavy traffic to reach the scene.
Fire crews arrived in roughly ten minutes. Containing the blaze, however, proved far more challenging.
“The fire had already intensified and spread across nearly the entire vehicle by the time we arrived,” said I Wayan Jigeh, the on-site commander for Badung’s fire department. “The extinguishing process took about 90 minutes, but our priority was preventing the flames from spreading to nearby buildings or other vehicles.”
That effort succeeded. Despite the car being reduced to a skeletal frame of metal, surrounding shops and structures were spared. For a neighborhood packed tightly with commercial properties, the outcome was widely viewed as a relief.
Agus Purwanto managed to escape unharmed, a detail repeatedly emphasized by responders. “In situations like this, the absence of casualties is the most important result,” Jigeh added.
A Broader Safety Reminder for Holiday Travelers
Car Fire on Petitenget Road Raises Safety Concerns During Bali’s Holiday Rush 25 December 2025
— Hey Bali (@Heybaliinfo) December 26, 2025
For More : https://t.co/al5ppKTwYz#HeyBaliNews #BaliUpdate #Petitenget #BaliTraffic #BaliSafety #BreakingBali #BaliHoliday #TravelSafety #BaliExpats #BaliTourism pic.twitter.com/4XhviskCNp
While vehicle fires remain relatively uncommon, Badung fire officials note that electrical failures are among the most frequent causes when they do occur, particularly during long-distance travel and extended operating hours common in the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
In Bali, where rental cars, ride-hailing vehicles, and privately owned minivans operate almost nonstop during peak season, routine electrical inspections are often overlooked. Fire authorities urge drivers, especially those transporting passengers, to ensure wiring systems, batteries, and aftermarket modifications are regularly checked.
For visitors and residents alike, the Petitenget incident serves as a quiet reminder that Bali’s holiday energy comes with practical risks. Quick reporting, trained responders, and calm coordination prevented what could have become a much larger disaster in one of the island’s most active tourism zones.
As Bali moves through the final days of the year, officials continue to emphasize vigilance, not only on the roads, but beneath the hood.
Reported by Lascha
Written by Hey Bali Newsroom
