China uses an incredible double-headed fire engine worth over a million dollars
- This double-headed fire engine is used in China
- It helps fire fighters access fires in tunnels or narrow streets
- It owes its origins to a tragic fire in Europe
Published on May 24, 2025 at 11:49 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on May 22, 2025 at 11:49 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Ben Thompson
China uses an incredible double-headed fire engine, which is worth over a million dollars.
They say that two heads are better than one, and that’s definitely true in this case.
The two ended fire engine debuted in Nanjing, and it’s proved quite handy in emergencies taking place in tunnels or narrow streets.
It was made by a German company and first saw use in Europe.
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They do things a little differently in China when it comes to cars.
Just recently, we’ve seen the country unveil a new type of license plate and make a breakthrough on EV battery safety.
That’s not to mention the awesome cars coming out of the country, including the Aito M, the Li Auto 7, and Denza Z.
In the case of the double-ended fire engine, China can’t claim sole credit, as it originated in Europe.
At any rate, China’s two-headed fire truck debuted in the city of Nanjing in the Jiangsu Province back in 2015.
It can drive up to 120mph in either direction without the need to turn.
It carries 1,056 gallons of water and 500 gallons of foam.
Designed by the German truck maker MAN, it owes its origins to a tragic event in 1999.
On the morning of 24 March 1999, 38 people died when a Belgian transport truck carrying flour and margarine caught fire in the Mont Blanc Tunnel in France, Emergency Vehicle Response reported.
After years of investigation, safety measures were put in place to improve the safety of the tunnel.
The MAN BAI Janus 400 ‘Bifronte’ was also made as a result of the tragedy.
Three were built and two remain in service.
The trucks were built by the Italian company BAI.
Over in China, it’s not entirely clear how many are in use.
One appeared in the city of Fuzhou, in the Fujian province, as China Daily reported.
It was rolled out for the National Youth Games in the city, before going on to be used by the Jinxiang fire brigade.
The site reported that less than 10 double-headed fire trucks were in use throughout Asia.
Either way, we think they’re a great idea.
Imagine how much time it would save fire fighters in emergency situations.
No need to awkwardly turn trucks around on narrow streets.
We’d love to see more double-headed fire engines trialed in places around the world.
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