Louisiana Mechanic Catches Fire While Working on Vehicle

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Firefighters in Lafayette were dispatched to a fire at an apartment complex early Thursday after someone reported the complex and several vehicles on fire.

The complex where firefighters were dispatched to is located off of Hummingbird Drive in Lafayette, and upon arrival, they found two vehicles on fire near the complex.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, but the exterior of the building sustained minor damage from the heat of the burning vehicles.

According to Alton Trahan with the Lafayette Fire Department, "The mechanic working on one of the vehicles suffered moderate burns from the fire. Acadian Ambulance assessed the patient and transported him to a local hospital."

Officials say that the mechanic was using a shop vacuum to remove fuel from the gas tank of one of the vehicles. The vapors ignited, creating a rapid fire situation.

Eyewitnesses say the man's clothes and the vacuum were on fire, and that is when he performed the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" method to extinguish the fire.

A large black plume of smoke could be seen for miles early Thursday in Lafayette as the fire raged near the complex.

Officials have ruled this fire accidental.

Read More: Crash on I-49 Claims Life of Local Man 

Read More: Flesh-Eating Bacteria Kill Several in Louisiana

This is a developing story, and the KPEL News Team is working to provide additional coverage for Acadiana. Updates will be shared as they become available, so download the KPEL News app via Google Play or in the App Store and subscribe to breaking news alerts to get the latest information sent directly to your mobile device.

You can also use the KPEL app to submit a news tip, share a traffic update, or chat directly with our on-air team.

Be sure to bookmark our latest site, wearelafayette.net, where we provide more local news coverage as well as lifestyle and community features.

To report errors, omissions, or other concerns regarding the content above, send emails to news@kpel965.com.