Art of a sponsored by Valor of the Lake Alarms and Kaila Brooks, Realtor
Article and photos by Malia Dietz
Just before 8 p.m. on Thursday, multiple calls went into 911 dispatchers reporting a two vehicle traffic collsion on Highway 330 near mile marker 34 in front of city creek ranger station.
Medic Engines 228 and 226 with San Bernardino county Fire arrived on scene to find a solo vehicle fully engulfed in flames with extension into near by brush. All occupants were able to get out of the vehicle unharmed. The Fire crews onscene reported a 20×20 spot with a slow rate of spread. Quick work by county fire crews got the flames extinguished.
The California Highway Patrol alternated traffic while fire department put more water on the vehicle and brush. Mountain Auto Service arrived on scene to recover the vehicle.
According to statements made at the scene, a Toyota RAV4 was stopped at the temporary traffic signal behind a Jeep Liberty. When the light turned green, the Toyota reportedly accelerated and slammed into the back of the stopped Jeep. He also made statements he was sending a text and set down his phone to hit the gas. He exited his vehicle and the vehicle caught fire and allegedly exploded.
Traffic was affected on Highway 330 for approximately two hours. By 9:30 p.m. the highway had been reopened.
