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E-cig explodes in driver's lap, causing car crash

Posted at 10:50 PM, Apr 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-12 14:33:30-04

Authorities say a car crashed into a tree after the driver jumped out to try and put out a fire caused by an e-cigarette explosion.

The crash happened in a residential neighborhood in Tempe, Arizona.

Police say a vehicle was exiting a private driveway when the e-cigarette exploded in the driver's lap, igniting a fire.

The driver jumped out to deal with the fire, causing the vehicle to jump a curb and hit a tree.

The Tempe Fire Department says the fire was put out before crews arrived, and one person was evaluated at the scene for minor injuries. The driver will be taken to the hospital for treatment of leg burns, police said.

A woman who lives feet from the crash scene is glad the trees shielded her apartment from the truck.

"If that tree wasn't there, I mean, it would have gone right into the window right there, right into our living room," Shelbi Harry said.