A vehicle fire in a Manchester Township shopping center parking lot Thursday morning injured a local woman and damaged two nearby cars, authorities said.
Police and emergency crews responded around 11:16 a.m. to the Manchester Plaza Shopping Center after reports of a car fire in the lot, according to the Manchester Township Police Department. Officers arrived to find a blue 2018 Toyota Camry with flames and heavy smoke coming from the engine compartment.
Authorities confirmed the vehicles in the area were unoccupied and established a safety perimeter as fire crews worked to contain the blaze. Before it was extinguished, the fire spread to two parked vehicles — a white 2013 Honda Accord and a silver 2005 Nissan Altima.
Multiple local fire companies responded, including the Manchester, Lakehurst and Ridgeway volunteer departments, along with Manchester Career Fire. Emergency medical personnel also arrived to treat the Toyota’s owner, 79-year-old Ann Dacunto of Manchester, who sustained burns to her hands and face. She was transported to Community Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.
The Toyota and Honda suffered extensive damage and were towed from the scene. The Nissan sustained only minor damage and was able to be driven away.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire, but an initial review showed no signs of suspicious activity. The incident remains under investigation by the Manchester Police Department and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office. Portions of the parking lot were closed for about two hours during the response.