A fiery car accident on an early Saturday morning this past November on Flamingo Road in Las Vegas, Nevada, resulted in one death and injuries, according to news reports. The deadly two-vehicle crash caused both cars to burst into flames, according to Metro Police.
The Fiery Crash
Witness statements, video surveillance, and evidence at the crash site indicate that a Hyundai was speeding westbound on West Flamingo Road. At the same time, a Dodge was traveling eastbound on the same street, approaching Lindell. The collision happened when the Dodge made a left turn onto the Hyundai’s path and was hit on its side, causing the Dodge to go off of the roadway. Both cars caught on fire thereafter. The Hyundai’s driver was able to get out of the vehicle, but the Dodge’s driver could not. First responders arrived but could not save the driver, who died at the scene.
According to local police, the Hyundai driver showed signs of impairment. Law enforcement officials took the driver into custody to Clark County Detention Center for charges. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) reports that the death of the driver of the Dodge is the 138th car accident-related fatality within its jurisdiction in 2022. The crash remains under investigation by the LVMPD.
Vehicle Fire Statistics
Vehicle fires more often than you likely realize. Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association on fire loss in America in 2021 include 208,500 vehicle fires resulting in 680 deaths and 1,500 injuries. The estimated amount of property damage resulting from these 2021 fires totaled $2.1 billion, and fire departments responded, on average, to one car fire every three minutes. That being said, the number of car fires fell by 5%, and vehicle fire deaths fell by 1% in 2021 compared to 2020. Car fire injuries and property damage fell roughly 12% and 50%, respectively.
Car Fire Dangers
A car fire is dangerous and can cause serious injuries or even death. There are many dangers in vehicle fires, including:
- Fumes and smoke. A car that is engulfed in flames can release significant amounts of fumes and smoke that are extremely hazardous to anyone nearby.
- Burn injuries. Heat generated by vehicle fires can result in severe injuries or even death for those that are nearby.
- Flying debris. Fires in vehicles can cause car parts to burst due to the high heat, causing debris to fly and injure others and damage property.
The above is just a short list of car fire dangers that can put you or any other victim at risk of serious health issues. If you or someone you know is involved in a vehicle crash, be sure to contact first responders immediately to ensure the safety of everyone.
We Can Help
If you are hurt in a vehicle fire that was not your fault, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at H&P Law. Our law firm has a team of dedicated lawyers that work with clients all over Las Vegas and the state of Nevada.
