LEOMINSTER — Two vehicles burst into flames and were destroyed after an apparent road rage incident near 39 Maple Ave. Tuesday night, according to police.
Francis Freel, 25 of Leominster, was driving a 2007 Jeep, and Jaime Mustafa, 20, of Leominster, was driving a 1992 Toyota Camry about 11:45 p.m. on Maple Avenue near West Street in a residential neighborhood.
Mr. Freel alleged that Mr. Mustafa was tailgating and driving erratically behind him, according to Police Lt. Michael Goldman, so he slammed on his brakes.
The Jeep struck his car and immediately burst into flames, and then the Camry caught on fire, police said. Both men jumped out of their vehicles. The heat of the fires was so intense that a third vehicle parked in the driveway at 39 Maple Ave. sustained heat damages.
“They stood in the driveway and watched their cars toast,” Lt. Goldman said. He said the incident might serve to remind other drivers not to engage in road rage.
Both drivers were charged with driving negligently, and will be summoned to appear in court.
Deputy Fire Chief Gary J. Ranno said Mr. Freel and Mr. Mustafa were checked out by EMS, and both men refused treatment.
Chief Ranno said fire officials are investigating why both vehicles burst into flames.
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