Driver escapes burning van

Delivery van driver Michael Poole of the Bronx smelled gas as he was exiting the Holland Tunnel Wednesday about 12:30 p.m. Just before flames started creeping through the floor singing his pants he told his wife on his cell phone who yelled “Get out!” He did and within seconds the van burst into flames near Varick and Canal Sts. Firefighters from Ladder 8 and Engine 24 quickly put out the blaze and Poole was treated at the scene. He also found a new shirt to wear.

WWW Downtown Express