A van erupted in flames Tuesday after breaking down alongside the Pomona (60) Freeway in Jurupa Valley, causing a spot fire that consumed the vehicle and several trees, prompting a partial closure of the freeway.
The non-injury blaze was reported at 11:25 a.m. on the westbound 60 at Rubidoux Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The agency said that the van, occupied by three people, stopped on the shoulder with flames emanating from objects loaded in the passenger compartment.
Several motorists stopped and assisted the parties, who were struggling to get a disabled senior out of the compartment, the CHP said.
The flames spread underneath the van, quickly consuming the vehicle and extending to roadside palm trees, according to the agency.
A good Samaritan attempted without success to douse the flames with a fire extinguisher.
CHP officers and Riverside County sheriff’s deputies shut down two traffic lanes for public safety. A SigAlert was issued due to the ensuing traffic jam.
County fire crews reached the location at 11:40 a.m. and encircled the roadside blaze within 10 minutes, knocking it down,
As of 12:10 p.m., the lane closures remained in effect and crews were mopping up.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.