Vehicle Explodes On 215 Freeway, Injuring 2 CHP Officers In Moreno Valley

MORENO VALLEY, CA — Two California Highway Patrol officers suffered burn injuries when a vehicle exploded on Interstate 215 in Moreno Valley, authorities said Monday.

The flash fire occurred shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday on northbound I- 215, just south of the transition to the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway, according to the CHP.

Officer Javier Navarro said a 2007 Toyota Camry broke down in lanes after the driver, who was allegedly under the influence, experienced unspecified difficulties. The motorist, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, and a friend managed to push the sedan onto the right shoulder, about the time two CHP units arrived.

The two officers were standing near the unoccupied Toyota, speaking with the driver, when "an explosion occurred, causing the officers to be engulfed in flames," Navarro said.

"Both officers sustained minor to moderate injuries," he said.

The motorist and his friend were not hurt.

Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location within a few minutes and doused the blaze, which did not spread to vegetation.

The officers were taken to nearby Riverside University Medical Center for treatment. They're expected to fully recover with no long-term complications, according to the CHP.

The driver was booked into the Robert Presley Jail on suspicion of DUI. His friend was not arrested.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.