AUSTIN, Texas — Police in Texas are investigating the cause of an explosion that sent three people, including two police officers, to the hospital early Tuesday morning.
Police attempted to approach a man in the parking lot of a food mart near Interstate 35 when he got back inside his car. The man can be heard on video telling officers, “I think I’m going to set the car and fire.”
A few seconds later, a loud pop can be heard on the video and the vehicle is immediately engulfed in flames. An officer said the driver had a lighter in his hand and investigators believe there was fuel inside the vehicle.
The driver is shown on video apparently attempting to get back inside the vehicle before exiting the vehicle again. Officers eventually pulled the driver away from the vehicle. He was taken to a local hospital where he is listed in serious condition.
Police said they believe the driver was attempting to commit suicide, according to KXAN. Two officers suffered minor injuries in the incident.