By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Cornwall firefighters battled a vehicle fire at a local car dealership in the city’s west end Wednesday afternoon, which destroyed a van that had been traded in only a few hours prior.
Cornwall Fire Department Platoon Chief Robert Cotnam said the van spontaneously bursted into flames at approximately 2 p.m. at the Cornwall Honda dealership on Brookdale Avenue.
The van was completely engulfed in smoke and fire. Six firefighters doused the burning vehicle with a mixture of water and foam.
There were no injuries.
Dan Gagne, Cornwall Honda sales manager, said the incident was the first of its kind in his eight years at the dealership.
He explained that a man drove off the lot around noon with a new vehicle after trading in a van.
Gagne was quick to point out that it wasn’t a Honda.
Before the fire ignited, a staff member inspected the van and locked the doors.
Shortly after the vehicle started to burn.
Two salesman and three other staff members grabbed fire extinguishers in an attempt to lessen any damage. A total of 15 vehicles had to be moved immediately.
“We’re very lucky that everyone’s OK and no cars were lost,” said Gagne.
He explained that the fire was also a twist of fate.
“The van was previously used as a school bus to transport children,” said Gagne.
