MANCHESTER, NJ – A vehicle fire in the Manchester Plaza Shopping Center parking lot Thursday morning spread to two nearby cars before firefighters brought it under control, officials said.
Police responded around 11:16 a.m. to find a blue 2018 Toyota Camry engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing from the engine compartment.
Officers confirmed that all vehicles were unoccupied and established a safety perimeter as fire crews arrived.
The blaze extended to a white 2013 Honda Accord and a silver 2005 Nissan Altima before firefighters extinguished it.
Key Points
- A Toyota Camry caught fire in the Manchester Plaza parking lot, spreading to two nearby vehicles.
- The car’s owner, a 79-year-old woman, suffered non-life-threatening burn injuries.
- The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is not considered suspicious.
Fire departments contain blaze quickly
The Manchester Volunteer Fire Department led the response, assisted by the Lakehurst, Ridgeway, and Manchester Career Fire Departments. Crews quickly put out the flames, preventing further damage to surrounding cars.
The vehicle’s registered owner, 79-year-old Ann Dacunto of Manchester, sustained burns to her hands and face and was treated by Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services before being taken to Community Medical Center.
The Toyota and Honda were towed from the scene with extensive damage, while the Nissan sustained only minor damage and was able to be driven away.
Investigation ongoing with fire marshal’s office
Investigators from the Manchester Police Department and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office are working to determine the cause of the fire. Early assessments found no evidence of suspicious activity.
Sections of the parking lot remained closed for about two hours during the fire suppression and investigation efforts.
