Driver cut from dragster in Knightdale car fire

Police and fire personnel responded at about 5:45 p.m. after a Volkswagen dragster struck a Ford pick-up truck that was parked in the service area of Massey Auto Works, located at 101 S. First Ave.

The dragster, which was occupied by only the driver, caught fire after the crash.

Employees at the shop were able to help stave off the fire until fire crews arrived to put out the flames. Knightdale Fire Chief Tim Guffey credited the workers and other bystanders for their quick action to help save the man.

"Bystanders had done a fairly good job, using buckets of water and actually a garden hose, putting out a good bit of the fire, especially in the area where he was sitting in the vehicle," Guffey said.

The driver, whose name has not been released, was cut from the car after the fire was extinguished. At one point, firefighters had to rip the roof off the vehicle to get to the man. He was transported to UNC Hospitals Jaycee Burn Center but his condition was unknown.