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WATCH: Police seek tips on Vernon car fire

Vehicle crosses Hwy. 97, crashes into cadet camp fence and catches fire
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Vernon Fire Rescue Services responded to a fully engulfed vehicle fire Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. (Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star) Vernon Fire Rescue Services responded to a fully engulfed vehicle fire Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. (Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star)

A grey vehicle was fully engulfed in flames Friday morning after veering off Highway 97 and crashing through a fence on the Vernon DND grounds, but no one was there when emergency crews arrived.

Now, due to the extensive damage to the vehicle, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are still working to obtain a vehicle identification number and confirm ownership.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services responded to reports of a vehicle fire at 8:45 a.m., Feb. 19, 2021, alongside police and ambulance.

Police said the small passenger car was travelling south along the highway when it crossed the northbound lanes before coming to a stop down an embankment, through a fence on the east side of Highway 97.

The gas tank had been ruptured adding fuel to the fire making extinguishing the flames more challenging for firefighters, but it was quickly snuffed.

“Once Vernon Fire Rescue Services extinguished the fire, investigators confirmed the vehicle was unoccupied,” said media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski.

Police continue to investigate and ask any witnesses to contact the detachment at 250-545-7171.

READ MORE: Barriers coming to deadly stretch of Armstrong highway

READ MORE: 17 new cases of COVID-19 in Interior Health


@caitleerach
Caitlin.clow@vernonmorningstar.com

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Vernon Fire Rescue Services responded to a fully engulfed vehicle fire Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, but upon their arrival, no driver was found. (Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star)