Car Bursts Into Flames Near Nyack Hospital

A driver escaped injury Tuesday night but her minivan sustained significant damage after a fire broke out in the engine compartment as she was driving near Nyack Hospital.

The fire on Fifth Avenue at the intersection of Route 9W closed Route 9W to traffic for about 45 minutes as volunteers of the Nyack Fire Department fought the fire.

Deputy Chief James Weck said the owner of the Dodge Caravan Sport said she was driving on Fifth Avenue when she hear a loud "pop." Weck said that as the fire broke out she was able to put the car in park, get out and call 911 for help.

The car was stopped a short distance before the intersection with Route 9W.

When firefighters arrived at around 8:15 p.m. flames and dense smoke were pouring from the front, driver's side of the minivan. The driver was alone in the car at the time of the fire.

Firefighters finished operations at about 9 p.m. Orangetown police were also at the fire scene and blocked access to Fifth Avenue from Midland Avenue.