A car heading east on Belmont Street from the Southwest Cutoff on-ramp Wednesday night lost its left rear wheel, which then struck the windshield of a car heading west, Northborough Police say.
The impact propelled the westbound vehicle into a temporary U-Haul sign, and then a second sign and a utility pole, before stopping -- on its driver's side -- in front of the Village Gun Shop sign, police said in a press release Wednesday night.
A bystander pulled the driver to safety from the vehicle, which "then became engulfed in flames," police said. Northborough firefighters extinguished the fire.
The victim was treated at the scene, and declined transport to the hospital, police said.
The crash happened around 6:28 p.m.
"The fire caused substantial damage to a vehicle displayed for sale in the lot of C & C Motors and minor damage to at least three others," police said.
"Vehicle 2 was able to travel east on Belmont Street for approximately 500 feet and pull off onto the soft shoulder.
"At this time, it does not appear drugs or alcohol were a factor" in the accident, which remains under investigation.
Westborough firefighters assisted at the scene.
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