Southington, CT – Chaos ensued on Tuesday as a van carrying over 2,000 vape pens caught fire on I-691 East, leading to hours of traffic delays.
Eyewitnesses were left stunned as the vehicle became engulfed in flames, raising concerns about the potential environmental impact.
The swift response from the Southington Fire Department and Environmental Services played a crucial role in containing the blaze and preventing further damage to nearby areas and vehicles.
According to initial reports, the fire was triggered by an accident involving the van. While no casualties were reported, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of handling electronic waste responsibly.
Environmental Services promptly took charge of ensuring the proper disposal of the burnt vape pens, working in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) to handle hazardous materials incidents like this.
As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the fire, they emphasize the significance of public safety and the responsible management of electronic waste.
