Chevy Suburban fully involved car fire showing arrival of Gary Fire Department, and a head-on crash involving a gaper with moderate damage at 5:05 elapsed time.
A fully involved vehicle fire in a large SUV occurred at 20th and Chase in Gary, Indiana (date unknown possibly September 2009). While firefighters were wrapping up, a head-on collision at moderate speeds occurred down the street (you can hear the crash at 5:05 elapsed time). No injuries at either incident.
Many people worry about huge car explosions, such as they see on television or movies, but the biggest risk at a car fire is probably getting hit by another vehicle in a second incident caused by human error of drivers distracted by the first incident. Another risk of car fires is getting hit by an exploding air bag canister. Air bags usually detonate during fully involved vehicle fires. The canister can go airborne like a missile and fly out the back window of the vehicle — landing up to about 50 feet directly behind the rear of a vehicle. The canister is sharp and made of metal, so impact with the human body could cause serious injury or death. Notice the videographer doesn’t stand directly behind the SUV. Firefighters face other hazards in newer vehicles — namely hybrids energized by electricity.
Video is by Edward Malik, a photographer and videographer from the south Chicago suburbs and Gary, Indiana area.
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