A Victorville man who died in a vehicle fire on the 15 Freeway in Victorville over the weekend became trapped in his classic car after a fire broke out in the engine compartment, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Robert Norman, 67, died in the fire, which was first reported shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday along the southbound 15 Freeway, just north of Stoddard Wells Road, according to CHP and San Bernardino County coroner’s officials.
He was the driver and lone occupant of a 1968 Pontiac Firebird, which was “fully engulfed” in flames when first responders arrived at the scene, according to CHP Officer Jebediah Wheeler.
The southbound 15 Freeway at Stoddard Wells Road in Victorville, pictured in an Google Street View image.
Preliminary investigation revealed the car was traveling at an undetermined speed “when for an unknown reason, the engine compartment caught fire,” according to a CHP statement. “The driver attempted to drive the vehicle to the shoulder, but became disabled in the process, coming to a stop partially within the shoulder, and partially within the lane.”
Also for reasons yet to be determined, the driver was unable to get out of the burning car, officials said.
More: Victorville man found dead amid car fire on 15 Freeway
“Multiple bystanders stopped and attempted to remove the driver, but were unsuccessful due to the fire, smoke, and intense heat,” the statement said.
Norman died from his injuries at the scene.
The investigation was ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to contact Officer A. Lugo of the CHP’s Victorville Office at (760) 241-1186.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: CHP: Man killed in 15 Fwy. blaze was trapped in car after engine fire
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