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RIGBY — A teenage driver was questioned, but not arrested by police after officials say she hit a vehicle, lost a wheel on her pickup truck and continued driving on a tire rim. Sparks from the rim touching the road caused multiple fires and some scary moments Tuesday morning.
The initial crash happened in Rigby on East 300 North, also known at Highway 48, around 11:30 a.m.
“The young driver of the truck panicked and kept on driving,” Central Fire Assistant Chief Carl Anderson tells EastIdahoNews.com. “The sparks from the rim caused a near continuous fire from 300 North to 100 North (nearly two miles).”
The Central Fire Department, Idaho Falls Fire Department and Ucon Fire Department all responded to the fires. On 100 North alone, there were 8-10, according to Anderson. Rigby Police Chief Sam Tower said 21 fires were started overall, according to a news release.
A witness says the driver of the pickup truck finally stopped when another person in a pickup truck forced her off the road into a ditch.
The fires have been put out but Central firefighters are remaining on the scene to mop up any hot spots. No structures or vehicles were burned, according to Anderson.
The incident is still under investigation. No citations or charges have been issued at this time, but authorities say there may be as the investigation progresses.
“This is a reminder that it is very, very dry out here and we just ask people that if there’s an incident or accident to stop and get it reported,” Anderson says. “Don’t panic. None of us are bad guys. We are here to help so please don’t panic.”
