NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — For those on Interstate 264 who were caught up in the delays induced by the car fire inside the eastbound tube of the Downtown Tunnel Tuesday, it was probably a day that’s now burned into their memories.
Fire engulfs vehicle in Downtown Tunnel
The images of a burning car are on the VDOT camera inside the eastbound tube. It looked like the fire was coming from the driver’s side from the wheel and tire area. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but it may have had something to do with the electrical system.
The driver was in the right lane, when he suddenly swerved into the left driving lane, where the car caught fire.
The beginning of the feed from the VDOT camera showed a man exiting the car, going back to retrieve some personal belongings then leaving. Virginia State Police said the driver of the car that caught on fire left the scene, but no charges have been filed.
Elizabeth River Crossings Director of Operations and Maintenance Ryan McLane provided a clearer timeline of what happened.