Japanese sweet potato truck goes viral driving to fire station while engulfed in flames

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A truck driver in Japan became an internet sensation when his sweet potato delivery van caught fire. Instead of stopping, he drove the burning vehicle directly to the nearest fire station for assistance.

Food trucks and delivery services are popular worldwide, but how they operate varies from country to country. Some food trucks stay in specific locations, while others also offer deliveries directly to customers.

In Japan, you can find mobile roasted potato vendors – similar to ice cream vans in the UK – that drive around and then stop to serve customers. These ‘hot potato trucks’ are a common sight on the streets of Tokyo, and many are decorated with bright, eye-catching lights.

A truck driver in Kumamoto City is getting a lot of attention online after his vehicle caught fire while he was driving, turning it into a blazing spectacle on the road.

Japanese food van bursts into flames and drives to fire station

A truck selling sweet potatoes caught fire in Kumamoto City and was filmed by onlookers as it drove through the streets. The incident happened around 10 p.m. on March 13th, and the driver actually steered the burning van towards the nearest fire station hoping for assistance.

Firefighters put out the fire, but the truck was left completely burned and still smoldering on the road.

NHK World and LiveDoor report that the driver, a man in his 70s, was not injured in the incident.

熊本の月光仮面が炎上しながら信号無視して国道を爆走して自走で消防署に凸すると言う大胆不敵な所業🔥🔥🔥#熊本　#火の車　#火事　#月光仮面

— W RS (@WRS1493314) March 13, 2026

Videos of the incident have quickly spread online, and people are both trying to figure out who the truck driver is and debating whether they made the right choices.

It was such a relief to hear everyone was okay! I was especially happy to know the old man wearing the Moonlight Mask hadn’t been hurt. I was really worried about him!

Someone commented that the sweet potato seller who wears the moon-shaped mask is very well-known throughout Kumamoto – almost everyone recognizes him.

I’m so relieved you’re okay, but driving a burning truck through the city and all the way to the fire station was incredibly risky.

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2026-03-13 17:20