Two California Highway Patrol officers were injured when a disabled car erupted into a fireball during a roadside stop in Moreno Valley, sending both officers to the hospital and leaving the vehicle’s driver facing a suspected DUI charge.
The officers were standing near a 2007 Toyota Camry on Interstate 215 Sunday when the vehicle suddenly exploded, engulfing them in flames, CHP Officer Javier Navarro told Patch.
“An explosion occurred, causing the officers to be engulfed in flames,” Navarro said.
Both officers suffered minor to moderate injuries and were transported to Riverside University Medical Center. CHP officials said they are expected to make full recoveries without lasting complications.
The blast occurred shortly after 3 p.m. after the Camry broke down in the northbound lanes. The driver, who was allegedly under the influence, and a friend pushed the sedan onto the right shoulder before two CHP units arrived.
The officers were talking with the driver beside the unattended vehicle when it suddenly burst into flames. The driver and his passenger escaped the incident uninjured.
Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the scene within minutes and extinguished the fire before it spread to nearby vegetation.
The driver, whose name was not immediately released, was booked into the Robert Presley Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence. His friend was not arrested.
Authorities have not determined what caused the explosion, and the investigation remains ongoing.
