VW Camper fire

[richardlw]

Does anyone know what happened with the Camper which was in flames and very spectacular on the autoroute just north of Rouen yesterday - around 1.15pm I guess. I think the occupants were all out and had managed to rescue their kit as it was spread out around the vehicle. Did the fuel tank explode at some point? When we passed there was debris in both lanes and it was exceedingly hot.

I hope that everyone was OK.

[20vt_mk2dub]

What an awful thing to happen.

Hope everyone was ok and that a new camper takes its place... very sad.

[rmhodv]

When we passed it was just a burnt out shell. I feel absolutly gutted for them.

[Epiphany]

Missed that, as despite 5 of us shouting turn right to Rouen, the driver and navigator turned left and added 40KM to our trip...

[gibo993]

Yeah poor sods we saw the fire brigade turn up but they where a bit late, it was just a shell and the engine had melted all over the road.

My passenger took some Photos I will stick them up tomorrow.

(No comments about rubber neckers please every one was crawling past. It was like everyone paying respect to the V Dub poor thing.)

[graham@reading]

It wasn't the black and red one with the comedy horn was it?

[FUBAR]

Going slightly o/t, anyone know what happened to the camper van on the A28 Sunday afternoon? Hit the armco and had a front wheel and suspension ripped clean off. Police where just arriving as I drove past (he had others with him so I wasnt abandoning the poor chap)

[richardlw]

Did they stop the traffice when the fire brigade turned up? In good old GB this would have been a crime scene and a 20 mile queue - vive la France I say.

[Saabyfox]

Passed that yesterday as well, it was about to be pulled onto a transporter it I think. Certainly caused a 5 mile queue....

[gibo993]

graham@reading said:

It wasn't the black and red one with the comedy horn was it?

No it was a sort of rusty colour and had no windows or interior and the only horn it had, had melted

It had empies on the front I think in black, that was all that was left.

[slammedvanman]

Van in question was mine. On the upside all 4 passengers got out unharmed. Downside, long term dream of a van gone & 18 months of restoration up in smoke (new engine, brakes, electrics & interior all my own sweat and cursing). Still no idea of the cause as she'd previously done 3000 problem free miles since passing her test in October (4 years off the road prior to that).

Lost the gearbox and drive in my Triumph 2000 on the way back last year (still stood in the garage) so think I may give Le Mans a miss in 2007. What was yet another legendary LM weekend (anyone esle catch the stunning Charlatans performance Saturday night?) completely ruined by a cruel twist of fate.

To the t*sser in the yellow Audi A3 who came past shouting "Burn it", I hope I'm around to see your day when it comes.

Sunday Bleu Nord



Monday A28 north of Rouen


RIP BJ

Edited by slammedvanman on Tuesday 20th June 23:53

[robscim]

Gutted for you.

It looked like a great van - sorry for your loss.

Don't let the A3 driver get to you - they're not worth it.

Live to have another day at Le Mans - the vast majority of us are decent.

Regards

Rob

[greenlandy]

You poor f@cker thank f@ck no one was hurt.
My heart bleeds for you no wagon deserves to die like this.

[graham@reading]

[rougeleo]

That is a real shame , hope you build another .

[xjsjohn]

ddepest sympathies chap ...

At least you, your crew and most of your effects appear to have been rescued!!!

the poor bus!!

[spdpug98]

Gutted for you after all your hard work, at least you and your mates got out

[dicky]

we got caught up in the traffic and just saw the remains on the lowloader. Thankfully you all got out ok, van/cars can be replaced you can't.

[tjdixon911]

slammedvanman said:

Van in question was mine. On the upside all 4 passengers got out unharmed. Downside, long term dream of a van gone & 18 months of restoration up in smoke (new engine, brakes, electrics & interior all my own sweat and cursing). Still no idea of the cause as she'd previously done 3000 problem free miles since passing her test in October (4 years off the road prior to that).

Lost the gearbox and drive in my Triumph 2000 on the way back last year (still stood in the garage) so think I may give Le Mans a miss in 2007. What was yet another legendary LM weekend (anyone esle catch the stunning Charlatans performance Saturday night?) completely ruined by a cruel twist of fate.

To the t*sser in the yellow Audi A3 who came past shouting "Burn it", I hope I'm around to see your day when it comes.

Sunday Bleu Nord



Monday A28 north of Rouen


RIP BJ

Edited by slammedvanman on Tuesday 20th June 23:53

Oh my god! I'm sorry to hear this! I saw your van a couple of times in Arnage and thought it was superb!

Glad no-one was harmed.

[richardlw]

Bad luck mate - thats a real shame and I'm glad you're all OK. It was a hell of a sight at the time. When did you first notice the fire - it must have been a big bloody shock.