An SUV burst into flames on Interstate 95 South near Exit 18 in Foxborough on Tuesday afternoon, and the driver kept going back into the burning vehicle to grab his belongings even as bystanders screamed at him to stay away. Nobody was hurt, and the driver walked away from the wreck.
Massachusetts State Police troopers responded to the blaze at roughly 1:31 p.m., closing the right and middle travel lanes of I-95 South while crews extinguished the flames, according to Boston 25 News. The station also reported that video showed a man returning to the burning car. Jeremy Rys, who was driving nearby, noticed the vehicle ahead of him starting to smoke and pulled over to help, as detailed in Boston 25 News's account of the incident.
Rys said the driver returned to the car to retrieve his wallet, saying he needed it to pay a bill. Rys and other bystanders repeatedly urged the man to step back, warning him that returning to the vehicle simply was not worth the risk. Bystanders continued urging the man to stay away from the SUV.
Driver Kept Going Back Despite Warnings
Even after being warned, the driver returned to the SUV to retrieve belongings as flames continued spreading from the vehicle. The account does not specify what other items he retrieved or what he believed about the fire.
Video of the episode was shared with Boston 25 News, and the report said nobody was hurt in the fire. The report does not provide details about the SUV's maintenance history. Consumer Notice discusses Hyundai and Kia engine-fire recalls.
A Pattern of Federal Warnings on Hyundai Fires
Hyundai and Kia have been subject to recalls involving engine-compartment fire risks. Consumer Notice discusses vehicle-fire causes and says most fires begin in the engine, drivetrain or wheel areas.
Vehicle fires can pose dangers beyond visible flames, according to Consumer Notice. People near a burning vehicle may face intense heat and other hazards.
Highway Fires Are a Recurring Problem Statewide
The Foxborough fire adds to the broader problem of vehicle fires across Massachusetts. Vehicle fires are also a national problem.
The stretch of highway around Foxborough has seen other dramatic vehicle fire rescues in recent months. In May, off-duty firefighters pulled two occupants from a burning car on nearby Interstate 495 in Plainville, a rescue Hoodline covered in its couple's rescuer reunion story. The Foxborough fire drew a response from Foxborough firefighters and State Police.
It remains unknown exactly what caused Tuesday's fire, and state fire investigators have not released a determined mechanical cause. It is also unclear whether the blaze caused any secondary damage along the roadway.
