Whiting Man Escapes as Van Bursts Into Flames

A Whiting man escaped injury when his van caught fire while he was driving it in Crestwood Village on Friday morning.

James Finn, 54, told Patrolman Stephen Hankins that he was driving along about 10:30 a.m. when he smelled gasoline and heard a "whoosh" sound. Then smoke began to flow from under the hood, Manchester police said.

The fire quickly spread to the passenger compartment, and when Patrolman Scott Thompson arrived at the scene, at the corner of Valley Court and Penwood Drive, the 2000 Dodge was engulfed in flames. Finn was able to remove some of his belongings from the van before it became to dangerous to continue.

Several residents watching the fire were told by police to move to a safer distance.

The Whiting Volunteer Fire Company and the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company responded, and Quality Medical Transport ambulance service was also on scene as a precaution.