Traffic was backed up on Highway 19 Wednesday morning as emergency crews scrambled to extinguish a spectacular car fire just past the Parksville turnoff.
Central Island Traffic Services Cst. Blake Manchur said the fire, which took place during the morning rush hour in the southbound lane, was caused by a mechanical failure.
“The guy was driving and he heard a pop and then a bang and all of a sudden flames appeared,” he said. “He was driving, so he had to pull over right away.”
Although the driver was able to exit the vehicle safely and there were no injuries, the vehicle was completely destroyed.
No charges are contemplated as a result of the incident.