Family waits for results from investigation into car fire

Published: Updated:

GOLDEN GATE, Fla. – A family is wondering whether a recall notice on their 2004 Suzuki Forenza could explain their daughter’s Feb. 12 car fire as they wait for a report from investigators.

Golden Gate teen Amanda Petrey narrowly escaped her car before it caught fire just a few feet from her home on Southwest 21st Avenue last week. She said her tire blew then the vehicle began to fill with smoke.

“I was stuck and couldn’t do anything but fight for my life and get out,” Petrey said. “I think that was the scariest part.”

Her father rushed to help her and the 17-year-old was later taken to the hospital with a dislocated finder, concussion and bad bruising.

Now the family is reaching out to her car’s manufacturer, which had sent a recall notice only a week before Petrey’s crash.

“It was a recall on my lights there was a switch that wasn’t turning off and it had been known for causing engine fires,” she said.

The car was totaled in the crash and towed from the scene. Fire inspectors are examining the vehicle to determine the cause of the fire.

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