OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — A four-door sedan that was fully engulfed in flames in west Omaha on Monday proceeded to explode as firefighters were actively trying to extinguish the blaze.
Early Monday afternoon, Vance Springer stopped to take a video of a car that was spewing smoke and flames on the side of the road near 175th and Dodge Streets. Traffic continued to pass, including a convertible car with its top down. Three Omaha Fire Department firefighters were standing near the front of the vehicle. The vehicle's occupants were not within sight.
Abruptly, a massive fireball shoots upward as black smoke pours out.
The firefighters kept their cool in the heat of the moment, backing away and pulling the water hose away with them. Springer then zoomed out to show the plume.
#Elkhorn
— Omaha Hwy Conditions (@NDOTomaha) May 16, 2022
WB 168th St Exit off W Dodge Right Ln closed due to vehicle fire pic.twitter.com/u1qartMAZB
Nebraska DOT traffic cam video shows the aftermath as far away as 168th Street. The 168th Street exit is currently closed to manage the scene.
OFD Firefighter J. Wendt said in a tweet that the driver of the vehicle was not injured.
Car Fire!
— OFD Firefighter J.Wendt (@OFDFFWendt) May 16, 2022
Just West of 168th on Dodge.
The driver was not injured!#OmahaFireDepartment pic.twitter.com/cxKokP1GhI
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