Fire extinguishers, hoses fail to extinguish fire after teen crashes into tree at Lavington

The teen appeared to be travelling east on Douglas Road in Lavington when his Kia Carnival crashed into a tree at the intersection of Barlow Street and caught alight about 12.15am on Sunday. He was trapped in the vehicle as the flames spread and died inside the car.

Craig Northey was one of about a dozen people who heard the crash and rushed over to help.

Three fire extinguishers, buckets and hoses were used in a bid to put out the flames but there was nothing residents could do.

Mr Northey said the incident would stick with him for a long time. 

“It was terrible,” he said.

“I heard a crash, ran outside and saw someone stuck in a car.

“All the neighbours were yelling to call the fire brigade, call an ambulance.

“A man was trapped in the car, he couldn’t get out.

“We tried to put the fire out the best we could, but it was beyond being put out.

“No matter what we did, we couldn’t get him out.”

Mr Northey said he could still picture the scene when he closed his eyes.

Knowing that the dozen residents could not assist was the hardest part.

Pam Bleasdale also rushed over after hearing a thud. 

The heat soon pushed her back and a bid to use her garden hose and fire extinguisher was unsuccessful.

“It was horrible,” she said, fighting back tears.

“The flames were inside the car and he was trapped inside.

“It was very nasty.”

The flames were fierce enough to spray glass into the fence of Lavington East Public School about 20 metres away.

Friends and family members attended the scene on Sunday morning and left tributes to the late teenager.

Police are keen to speak to a man in a white utility who may have witnessed the crash.

He was one of those who helped at the scene but left before police could talk to him. 

“(Officers) are particularly interested in speaking with the driver of a white utility who attempted to assist immediately following the crash,” a police spokesman said.

Mr Northey said he also hoped the man would come forward. 

“He might have something that can shed some light on what occurred,” he said. 

There were no tyre marks on Douglas Road and police are yet to determine what caused the incident.

Officers say there was no pursuit and nothing to suggest self harm. 

The teenager’s body has not been formally identified. 

Cindy Vangalen said she felt for the family. 

“It’s just really sad,” she said. 

“We live around the corner so it really hits home. 

“Knowing the family, it’s really heartbreaking for everyone involved. 

“My little brother is really close with the family, he’s just devastated. 

“It’s just sad when such a young life is taken.” 

Ms Vangalen attended the scene and described it as “raw”. 

The debris, which was spread over about 20 metres, had not been cleaned up. 

Messages for the late youth were left on the tree by loved ones. 

Family members also left flowers at the scene. 

Others at the scene hugged and comforted each other. 

Scorch marks were still visible on the tree and ground on Sunday. 

The vehicle was towed from the scene and will undergo examination. 

The fire destroyed the people mover. 

Anyone with information should contact Albury police on (02) 6023 9299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.