MADISON, Wis. — A tragic vehicle fire along the southbound Highway 51 frontage road left one person dead Monday morning after the car reportedly crashed into a tree and burst into flames. Firefighters pulled the victim from the burning vehicle, but the individual was pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials.
Firefighters Responded Within Minutes
Fire crews were dispatched around 11:43 a.m., where they found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames following the crash.
The Madison Fire Department confirmed that the victim was extricated immediately, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
Police say the violent impact with the tree caused the car to ignite rapidly, leaving little time for rescue.
Highway 51 Shut Down for Hours
The crash forced officials to shut down all northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 51 for several hours as investigators examined the scene and crews cleaned up the wreckage…