A black BMW burst into flames following a collision with a taxi at Douglas and Chatham streets on Sunday evening.
On impact, the BMW was sent into a utility pole at about 8:40 p.m. Moments later the vehicle’s engine caught fire.
Victoria Acting Battalion Chief Mark Robertson said there was a small engine fire and mechanical jaws were used to pry the vehicle’s bumper off the light standard.
The fire appeared “fairly significant” but was quickly doused, said Robertson. Occupants were out of their vehicles when firefighters arrived.
“The bumper was wrapped right around the light standard,” said Robertson.
Public works crews were on the scene, checking the pole and wiring, he said.
Traffic lights at the intersection were out until about 4 a.m.
Victoria police were unavailable for comment but on their Twitter account this morning, spokesperson Bowen Osoko said the fire appeared to have spread to a transformer.
Police said one ticket was issued for failure to yield on a red light.
Three people were taken to hospital, according to police.
Here is a video taken shortly after the collision.
