Ford Mustang catches fire, closes Route 14 in Cary for two hours

A Ford Mustang caught fire Monday afternoon near the intersection of Cary Algonquin Road and Route 14, prompting a two-hour closure of the highway.

What we know

The Cary Fire Protection District responded to a call of a vehicle crash at 4:02 p.m. However, at the scene they learned there was no crash before the fire erupted.

Heavy flames were seen coming from the car’s engine compartment. Firefighters acted quickly to contain the blaze, deploying a hose line and preventing the fire from spreading beyond the engine.

The driver, a male teenager, escaped the car unharmed.

Despite efforts to save the vehicle, it was declared a total loss.

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Photo courtesy of the Cary Fire Protection District

Route 14 was shut down in both directions during the response. Cold temperatures caused water from the firefighting efforts to freeze, creating hazardous road conditions. Salt trucks were dispatched to treat the ice, allowing the roadway to reopen around 6 p.m.

What we don’t know

Officials have not disclosed the cause of the fire. It’s unclear if mechanical issues or other factors were involved.

The Source: The information in this article was provided by the Cary Fire Protection District.

CaryNews