1 person dies after car catches fire, shutting down SLO County highway
One person died Saturday night after a vehicle caught fire on Highway 41 near Atascadero.
According to a Facebook post from Atascadero Police Department on Saturday night, the highway was closed in both directions at Three Bridges after a vehicle caught flame.
One person died in the incident, according to a news release from the department Sunday afternoon. Atascadero city spokesperson Terrie Banish told The Tribune on Sunday that the person who died in the vehicle was an adult male.
The incident backed up traffic in the area through early Sunday morning, but by mid-morning it was clear.
The news release said officers responded to a traffic collision on Highway 41 near Old Morro Road.
Upon arrival, the release said responders found the car involved in the collision and nearby vegetation were both on fire.
“The fire was promptly extinguished by fire department personnel,” the release said. “Tragically, it was determined that the sole occupant of the vehicle had died as a result of the accident.”
The release said police are still investigating to identify the driver.
