PORTLAND, Ore. — A dramatic vehicle fire beneath Interstate 5 in North Portland left six people injured Tuesday evening after a van became fully engulfed in flames following a crash.
According to Portland Fire & Rescue, crews were dispatched just before 8 p.m. to the area of Columbia Boulevard near Delta Park after multiple callers reported a van on fire with as many as six occupants possibly trapped inside.
Witnesses described a large column of heavy smoke rising into the sky, signaling a significant fire as first responders rushed to the scene. Firefighters arriving on Truck 8 confirmed the vehicle was fully involved and began immediate suppression efforts, prioritizing extinguishing the flames before attempting any extrication.
Engine 14 crews arrived shortly after and assumed command of the incident, assisting with fire suppression alongside Truck 8. Additional support came from Engine 24, whose crew helped manage both firefighting operations and medical triage.
Fortunately, all six occupants had been safely removed from the vehicle before hose lines were deployed, thanks in part to the quick actions of a community member at the scene. While none of the victims suffered burn injuries, all six were hurt in the crash that sparked the fire. Injuries ranged from broken bones to cuts and other trauma-related conditions.
A strike team of five ambulances, coordinated by American Medical Response, responded to treat and transport the घायल patients. All six individuals were classified as trauma entries due to the severity of the incident.
In total, 14 firefighters from three stations responded, along with multiple ambulance crews and a supervising officer. The response also included dispatch support from the Bureau of Emergency Communications and assistance from the Portland Police Bureau, which helped secure the scene and begin an investigation.
The cause of the crash and resulting fire remains under investigation.
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