X5 burst into flames on highway; Is the owner here?

[LeMansX5]

This is the moment a BMW burst into flames at 70mph and exploded - but miraculously the driver behind the wheel SURVIVED.

Thomas Porterfield, 32, was in the fast-lane of the M57 when his X5 - a birthday present to himself three weeks earlier - became a speeding death-trap.

The gardener veered across three lanes of traffic in a hurtling fire ball, fled the car and watched as the £20,000 motor exploded less than 60 seconds later.

He told the Liverpool Echo : “I was driving along the motorway, everything appeared to be fine, the vehicle was a-okay, and the next thing there’s flames coming up my windscreen.

“My silver BMW burst into flames with no warning whatsoever. I managed to get across to the hard-shoulder, and by this time I’m inhaling smoke, smoke is pouring through the vents.

“I had to jump over to the back-seat because my door was stuck, and I jump out the back door as it goes up in flames.”

Describing the nail-biting scene, he continued: “I ran and then I’m stood maybe 20 meters away.

“The next thing, there’s fuel spewing out of the vehicle and it’s absolutely ablaze now. It’s pouring into the gutter and there’s a line of fire heading towards me. It was like something off Fast and Furious.

“There was less than 60 seconds between me getting out and the car exploding. The heat when it actually popped - I’m standing 20 metres away from this thing - and it was like a force of heat hitting me in the face.

“Less than two minutes later, and there was nothing left of the car, absolutely nothing - not a single piece of paintwork, not a seat, a mirror, not a single thing. It was just a complete lump of ash.”

The motorway was closed southbound at junction one for 45 minutes while nine firemen and two engines attempted to put out the blaze.

“My side of the motorway was brought to an absolute standstill,” Mr Porterfield explained. “It was full of black plumes of smoke, the ground was incinerated.

“It’s amazing that myself and nobody else wasn’t hurt. Vehicles can be replaced, they’re just hunks of metal at the end of the day, but this was an extremely fast-moving scenario and somebody could have been killed.

“Luckily, I am a young, healthy male, and I’m quick on my feet. This could have been my father, who is 68-years-old. He’s got problems with his hip and might not have got out.

“Or there could have been small children in the car. It could have been a tragedy. I love adrenalin sports - I love to dip my toe in that dangerous side - but yesterday was a little bit too close for me, to say the least.”

BMW could not be reached for comment.



Merseyside BMW fire: Motorist's miraculous escape after car turns into hurtling fire ball at 70mph - Mirror Online

[rh71]

glad he's ok...

but everyone knows you can't do 70mph without the sport package

[e30cabrio]

Horrific.

Interested in model & cause.

[J.Belknap]

My money is on the fuel line not being properly attached to the fuel rail. Glad he's ok.

[TerminatorX5]

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

My money is on the fuel line not being properly attached to the fuel rail. Glad he's ok.

that brings up a question if the car was just serviced before this fire happened - the article mentioned that it was his "present" 3 weeks prior to the incident... not sure if 3 weeks is enough for the fuel line to work itself loose, but still, interesting possibility...

[e30cabrio]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

that brings up a question if the car was just serviced before this fire happened - the article mentioned that it was his "present" 3 weeks prior to the incident... not sure if 3 weeks is enough for the fuel line to work itself loose, but still, interesting possibility...

I'd say depends on how much it was driven during the three weeks.

If he had it serviced and the fuel system was touched that mechanic is in the mix.

If he drove it home & went a a 2 week vacation and came back the day before I'd say dealer is in for a new car and fear of immolation payment.

Somebody got some 'splaining to do!

[rh71]

Originally Posted by e30cabrio

Horrific.

Interested in model & cause.

I don't recall what was different about European models, but judging from the chrome on the windows, it's a 4.8i without sport package as that was the only variation that came that way. Of course the roof rails are throwing me a bit too.

[iconoclast]

looks like m-sport package judging by the wheels and roof rail and painted fender extensions.

[DrRick]

Any body got an update as to why this occurred. If and when the information is available, it will be helpful to all of us.

[TiAgX5]

20,000 pounds was the purchase price, this was a used E70.

This guy bought a used, non-dealer maintained (I'm willing to bet) X and it burned to the ground.

ALL vehicles are no better then the lamest idiot allowed to work on it.

Just curious, the text states "this pic is the MOMENT the X burst into flames at 70 mph". Why then, is it parked on the side of the road with smoke rising almost vertical? This truck is stationary in the pic. Classic alarmist copy was attached to the pic, the text writer is clueless, can't even understand the flames/smoke would be pushed rearward by a 70 mph airflow.