Traffic is flowing at a normal rate again southbound on the Pat Bay Highway through Royal Oak, after a vehicle fire slowed movement to a near standstill just before 3 p.m. Monday.
Saanich firefighters from the Royal Oak No. 2 hall responded quickly to a 911 call from the vehicle’s lone occupant, who had pulled the car over just north of the Royal Oak Drive overpass.
“(The fire) was believed to be mechanical in nature,” said Saanich Fire Department Lt.-Insp. Sean Lillis. “When they were driving they heard that there was something wrong with the car. They did the best thing, got out of the vehicle and called 911.”
Beware of a vehicle fire on the #PatBayHighway
In the southbound lane south of Halliburton road.
Fire crews are still on scene. This will affect #YYJTraffic. pic.twitter.com/HE0Ddpmj8N— Saanich Fire Department (@SaanichFire) June 6, 2022
The vehicle quickly became a fireball, as photos showed most of the front of the car surrounded by flames. “It just goes to show, you don’t have much time,” Lillis said.
The driver was unhurt in the fire, which was doused quickly by firefighters upon their arrival. The car had been towed by around 4 p.m.
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