Kenosha police: Minivan with flat tire erupts in flames, driver safe

KENOSHA, Wis. - An 84-year-old driver is lucky to be alive after fire engulfed his minivan near Sheridan Road and 12th Avenue in Kenosha on Tuesday evening, April 25.

Kenosha police said around 9 p.m., officers spotted a minivan driving with a flat tire. Sparks were coming from the wheel, which was dragging on the ground. 

"The officer was in the right place at the right time and was able to find that car," said Lt. Joseph Nosalik.

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Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the 84-year-old driver did not stop.

"The man thought he could make it home on his flat tire," said Lt. Nosalik. "Just an ill-advised decision to try to make it."

The minivan erupted in flames and became engulfed with fire. 

"Those sparks ignited something," said Lt. Nosalik. "Likely, there was a pinhole in the gas tank, and it was just enough gas to ignite."

The minivan stopped, and Kenosha officers ran toward the flames and pulled the driver to safety.

"They did exactly what we expected them to do," said Lt. Nosalik. "They did it safely, as safely as possible and as efficiently as possible, and we’re really proud the KPD patch is in the news today."

Nobody was hurt.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, police say to just pull over and call them.

"There’s always a danger of that gas tank exploding," said Lt. Nosalik. "It didn’t (Tuesday) night, but it could have. They were very lucky."

Police said the driver did appear to be of sound mind after he got checked out. He is not being charged, but since he is elderly, police said they were checking with the DMV to find out if he should be allowed to drive.