Bethesda, Maryland July 11, 2006 - Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services (Maryland) responded to a vehicle fire on southbound Interstate 270 at Interstate 495 exchange.
The vehicle, an older model minivan-turned work truck, was occupied by five passengers and various paint and related chemicals. All passengers escaped safely as the fire spread from the engine compartment and rapidly consumed the vehicle.
During the first few minutes, the tires blew followed by several small explosions from the paint and chemicals within.
Responding engines from Bethesda Fire Department and Rockville Volunteer Fire Department made quick work of the fire.
Police and Maryland State Highway Administration crews shut down southbound I-270 for approximately half an hour.
No injuries were reported.
