CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- One person was found dead inside a burning car along the 8800 block of Courthouse Road, Chesterfield Fire and EMS spokesman Lt. Jason Elmore confirmed. The vehicle, which was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, was found on the side of the road, about 20 feet from the woods.
"[The] vehicle was traveling south on Courthouse Road when it crossed the road, struck a tree and caught fire," a Chesterfield Police spokeswoman said. "The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Police are still working to identify the driver, who was the vehicle’s only occupant."
Lt. Jason Elmore with Chesterfield Fire and EMS called the incident a "tragic accident."
"The person did suffer significant burns over all parts of their body, but we're not sure what caused them to run off the road," Elmore said.
Elmore added that the type of vehicle involved in the "unusual accident" may offer clues for investigators.
"With a lot of safety features, it is something that is not usual that happens," Elmore said. "That's why our Fire Marshals are going to look at the make, the model, the type of vehicle, the year to be able to see if there's been any kind of recall on that type of vehicle, too."
Courthouse Road was closed in both directions between Iron Bridge Road (Route 10) and Double Creek Court for much of the afternoon.
A body was found in a burning car on Courthouse Road in Chesterfield. (PHOTO: Chris Munnings)
