Incident on Highway 26
PORTLAND, Ore. — A frightening scene unfolded Wednesday afternoon on Highway 26 when a car burst into flames, sending two people to the hospital and briefly shutting down a key off-ramp near the Oregon Zoo.
According to Portland Fire & Rescue, the fire started after a mechanical issue caused the vehicle’s engine compartment to ignite. The blaze quickly spread and disabled the car’s brakes, leaving the driver with limited options to safely stop.
Quick Thinking by the Driver
With the fire growing and brakes failing, the driver made a split-second decision to steer the car toward boulders at the base of the off-ramp slope. In the chaos, the driver instructed the passenger to “roll out” of the moving vehicle to avoid being trapped.
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Despite the emergency maneuver, both individuals sustained injuries that required medical attention.
Emergency Response
The first ambulance on scene transported the passenger to the hospital, followed shortly after by a second ambulance carrying the driver. Officials have not released details about their conditions as of Wednesday evening.
Portland Fire & Rescue crews were able to contain the flames, preventing further spread or secondary accidents in the heavily traveled corridor.
Traffic Impacts
The fire and emergency response prompted authorities to temporarily close the westbound right lane of Highway 26 as well as the Oregon Zoo off-ramp. The closure lasted about an hour, causing delays for commuters and zoo visitors during the busy afternoon period.
By early evening, traffic had returned to normal, and the scene was fully cleared.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials confirmed the cause of the blaze was mechanical in nature, though the specific malfunction has not yet been disclosed. Investigators are working to determine the precise failure that triggered the fire and disabled the braking system.
Authorities have not released the names of the driver or passenger.
Community Reminder
While vehicle fires are relatively rare, Portland Fire & Rescue emphasized the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to help prevent such incidents. They also reminded drivers to remain calm in emergencies and to prioritize safety when evacuation becomes necessary.
This incident highlights the dangers of mechanical failures on busy highways and the quick decisions drivers must sometimes make to protect themselves and others on the road.
