Flames shoot high into the air after a series of explosions to a car involved in a single-vehicle crash on 10th St. in Nanaimo. One occupant was in the vehicle, which went off-road near Bruce Ave. on Monday, Jan. 20 at around 1:30 a.m. (Submitted photo).

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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NANAIMO — A man won’t be allowed behind the wheel of a car for 90-days after a fiery single-vehicle crash.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue and RCMP arrived at the scene early Monday morning after two City workers called in a vehicle on fire. They also believed the driver who escaped the wreckage was intoxicated.

An on-scene witness said multiple explosions and intense flames ravaged the car roughly two minutes after the driver escaped. They said the car appeared to have hit a tree and road sign after going off-road on 10th St. near Bruce Ave. around 1:30 a.m.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the worker’s quick thinking allowed officers to act following the crash.

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“Officers arrived on scene, two (roadside breath) samples were failed and the driver was handed a 90-day prohibition,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien praised the two City workers, saying them confirming the driver hadn’t consumed additional alcohol or drugs before officers arrived was pivotal for the RCMP.

“The continuity was a key thing. They had an eye on the driver and can testify the individual was not drinking (at the scene) and they didn’t go anywhere,” O’Brien said.

The vehicle was destroyed.

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