A tractor trailer hauling a tanker of water was obliterated when its engine malfunctioned, causing a fire.
It happened on Wednesday in Kawkawlin Township, Michigan when the truck’s diesel engine revved uncontrollably.
When they arrived, the cab was covered in flames.
Kawkawlin Township Fire Department Capt. D.J. Randall explained,
“The diesel motor ran away from them. It pegs the motor and basically self-destructs until the fuel runs out. The truck is a complete loss.”
A diesel engine runaways cause the engine to rev to its maximum until it eventually destroys itself. To see what a runaway looks like in action, check out this video of a Peterbilt with a runaway engine.
Randall explained, “When you hit 4,000 rpm, you don’t have any control.”
While emergency crews extinguished the inferno and cleared the wreckage, East Parish Road from Fraser to Mackinaw roads were shut down.
