Car crashes into Racine home, massive house fire breaks out
RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Billowing smoke and flames could be seen pouring out of a home in Racine Thursday morning after a car crashed into it.
"I looked out the window and I saw the pole in the ground, so I came out on the porch to see if anyone needed help and the car was already in the house," said neighbor Linda Jaskulske. "It was already on fire."
Racine police say a 31-year-old man crashed into a vacant home along South Memorial Drive near 16th Street.
Neighbors say they heard a loud bang and then saw the car catch fire, spreading to the home.
"Oh my God, what do I do now," said Jaskulske. "I didn't know what to do because it was a big fire already and it's a car and the car is full of gas."
It was a major scare for neighbors after they saw the vehicle narrowly miss their homes and crash into another. Anxiously watching to see if the flames would spread to their own homes, worried for their safety.
The flames damaged two neighboring homes and vehicles.
Jaskulske is one of many calling for change, saying she frequently sees people running into trees, stop signs and homes along this stretch of road.
"This house here has been hit at least three times from cars speeding through here," said Jaskulske.
Many residents say they fear for their safety at the intersection.
"There's way too many accidents," said Jakob Childs who walks the stretch frequently. "Way too many people almost getting hit and it's just dangerous right here. The state and city they know this area is horrible for accidents, but nothing is being done."
Residents say the changes they want to see could be adding in slow down signs or seeing more patrols in the area ticketing reckless drivers.
Racine police say speed was a factor in the crash and the man was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
On Friday, the man was identified as Fausto Esquivel Salas. Racine police said he was released from the hospital and arrested for recklessly endangering safety.
The investigation is ongoing.