Wrecked McLaren Involved in Fatal Crash Rekindles Blaze at California Tow Yard
Surveillance footage captured the supercar igniting weeks after the driver and passenger died in a separate collision.
A McLaren supercar, the same vehicle involved in a fatal crash that killed two people weeks earlier, erupted in flames again on Wednesday night at a secured tow yard in Costa Mesa, California. The incident occurred at a facility contracted by the Irvine Police Department to store vehicles involved in collisions.
Newly released surveillance footage shows sparks emanating from the wreckage before the fire intensifies, engulfing the front end of the exotic car and sending thick smoke through the storage garage. No injuries were reported in the second blaze, according to Irvine police.
The vehicle was impounded following a severe crash on September 13th, where driver James Wehr and passenger Lexi Kramer died. Authorities reported that Wehr lost control of the McLaren, causing it to crash into a tree. The impact reportedly caused significant damage to the car's electrical system, which investigators believe may have contributed to the subsequent fire.
The circumstances surrounding the initial fatal collision and the subsequent fire are still under investigation. Arson is not suspected in the tow yard incident, police stated.
The fatal crash and its aftermath have brought attention to the relationship between Wehr and Kramer. Reports indicated they were romantically involved, with allegations that Wehr had misled Kramer about his marital status. Wehr's widow subsequently retained an accident attorney after the deadly crash.