A vehicle fire occurred today on southbound State Route 86 near Marina Drive in Thermal, California, around 7:59 PM. The incident involved one vehicle that reportedly struck a shopping cart, which led to the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and all individuals involved were safe.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, where the vehicle was found fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished quickly, and although a tow truck was initially requested, this request was later canceled. The vehicle was deemed undriveable and was towed away after the fire was put out.
Traffic was significantly impacted as the incident unfolded. Authorities closed the southbound lanes of State Route 86 at North Marina Drive, redirecting traffic through alternate routes. By 8:19 PM, emergency personnel had established a traffic control point to ensure the safety of both motorists and responders.
The California Highway Patrol classified the incident as a traffic collision with no injuries by 10:44 PM. The vehicle involved was identified as a white SUV, which had a motorcycle on a trailer that fell off and caught fire during the incident. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved, and all parties remained unharmed.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of road hazards. Motorists are urged to remain vigilant and report any debris or obstacles on the roadway to prevent similar occurrences.
As of now, the scene has been cleared, and traffic is returning to normal. However, drivers are encouraged to stay alert while traveling in the area, especially during peak hours when traffic may still be congested.
This incident highlights the importance of road safety and the quick response of emergency services in managing unexpected situations on California highways.