Car Fire Temporarily Shuts Down Taconic State Parkway in Putnam Valley

Putnam Valley, N.Y. – A 19-year-old driver from White Plains walked away unharmed after his car suddenly caught fire on the Taconic State Parkway Sunday afternoon, forcing a temporary closure of the northbound lanes.

Vehicle Stalls Before Fire Erupts

According to New York State Police, the incident occurred between the Bryant Pond Road and Peekskill Hollow Road exits. The vehicle reportedly stalled before flames erupted from the engine compartment, quickly engulfing the front of the car.

The driver managed to escape without injury before the blaze spread, avoiding what could have been a far more serious situation.

Emergency Response

Multiple 911 calls were placed to the Carmel emergency center, prompting a swift response from the Putnam Valley Fire Department. Fire crews, under the command of Chief Vito Rizzi, arrived alongside an Empress paramedic unit and members of the Putnam Valley Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the flames, but the car was completely destroyed. Crews remained on scene for about 90 minutes to ensure the area was safe and to manage the aftermath.

Traffic Disruptions

The fire forced State Police and the Putnam Valley Fire Police to divert northbound traffic around the affected stretch of roadway. The temporary closure caused delays for Sunday travelers until the burned vehicle was removed and the parkway was fully reopened.

Despite the disruption, authorities confirmed no injuries were reported among the driver, emergency responders, or firefighters at the scene.

Roadway Reopened Safely

Once the fire was fully extinguished and the vehicle cleared, traffic resumed along the Taconic State Parkway. Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, though engine malfunctions are often a contributing factor in such incidents.

Community Reminder

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks of sudden vehicle breakdowns and the importance of staying alert while driving. Authorities encourage motorists to pull safely to the shoulder if a vehicle stalls and to call for help immediately if signs of smoke or fire appear.