Vehicle erupts in flames

A vehicle was engulfed in flames on the outskirts of Columbus around midnight on Monday, Feb. 10.

At around 11:35 p.m., the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on the north feeder road of Interstate 10 exit 698, in front of Mikeska’s BBQ.

The driver and passengers in the vehicle safely exited before the car caught on fire. There were no injuries or fatalities reported.

Richard LaCourse, Columbus VFD Fire Chief said the driver of the vehicle, an unidentified Katy woman, had just purchased the used vehicle and was traveling to San Marcos when she began having engine issues and pulled over.

“It was starting to mess out, so she pulled out to the exit and that’s when she saw it was on fire,” said LaCourse. “The sheriffs department gave her a courtesy ride to one of the truck stops in Austin County so she could get an uber back to katy. She got out of the car so fast she left her shoes and wallet.”