Engine fire totals vehicle
 

By Bronson Peshlakai
Capital Journal Staff
Published/Last Modified on Monday, Dec 03, 2007 - 06:04:56 am CST



PIERRE — Fire erupted out of the engine compartment of a car, Saturday, minutes after it was driven off the Beck Motor Co. sales lot in Pierre.

The 1999 Pontiac Bonneville, that was purchased by a Colorado Springs, Colo. resident, was a total loss. The new car owner drove the car from the dealership to Wal-Mart, and was driving back down Garfield Avenue when the fire started, said Doug Hinkle, first assistant chief of the Pierre Fire Department.

Firefighters responded to the call at 5 p.m. and contained the fire by 6 p.m. Pierre police and South Dakota Highway Patrol were called to the scene to slow traffic on the snow-covered streets.

“The major cause of firefighter fatalities is getting hit by vehicle traffic,” Hinkle said.

The car owner’s name was not released.

Hinkle said, the dealership recently installed a new motor in the car. Improper installation of the motor could be a cause of the fire, but that has not been determined yet. The dealership agreed to take the vehicle back.
 


Photo By: Bronson Peshlakai, Capitol Journal

Story by: BRONSON PESHLAKAI
Capital Journal, Pierre, SD
www.capitaljournal.com

 

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