Drunk driver sits in burning car near Saulkrasti, police open criminal case

A Toyota Avensis caught fire on a road about eight kilometres from Saulkrasti, Latvia, shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 November. Police later established that the driver was intoxicated, and criminal proceedings have been opened over the incident.

Passers-by put out the fire

Another motorist noticed the car stopped ahead with its front wheel burning. The witness pulled over and rushed to help. Using two fire extinguishers, the flames were put out, which prevented a potentially bigger accident. The driver had been driving until the tyre was worn down to the wheel rim.

Driver initially stayed inside

Video filmed by the witness shows the driver at first did not get out of the burning vehicle. After he was persuaded to leave it, it became clear that the man behind the wheel was visibly drunk. Emergency services were called to the scene.

On arrival, police determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, with a reading of 2.41 per mille in his exhaled breath. A criminal case has been initiated in connection with the incident.

The State Police thanked the witnesses for their responsible and active conduct in extinguishing the fire and calling law enforcement to the scene.