Man dies in vehicle fire

POST FALLS - A male believed to be in his 20s and a Kootenai County resident died in a car fire early Wednesday morning on westbound Seltice Way just east of Cedar.

The name of the victim, the only occupant in the 1997 Subaru Legacy, was not released by deadline.

Idaho State Police Cpl. Chuck Robnett said the man reportedly went into diabetic shock at his workplace, a molding company in the Post Falls area, and left work without his co-workers knowing.

The vehicle struck a construction zone barrel and several cones before continuing three-quarters of a mile and stopping in a westbound lane that was blocked off from traffic due to construction, Robnett said. The car did not roll.

"We're perplexed about how the car fire started," Robnett said.

The fire was reported by a passerby. A witness said a cone was seen underneath the car before it became engulfed in flames.

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Lt. Duane Hanna said the Legacy with Kootenai County plates was fully involved when firefighters arrived at 5 a.m. The doors of the vehicle were locked.

Robnett said the victim died on scene. Emergency personnel attempted to rescue the male from the burning vehicle.

"The subject was unable to exit the vehicle and died as a result of the fire," an ISP press release states.

Robnett said dental records are needed to confirm the identity of the victim, who was transported to Holy Family Hospital. It is unknown whether the man was wearing a seat belt.

Traffic was unaffected because westbound travelers were diverted to an eastbound lane in the construction zone.

An investigation continues.