TUTWILER — A side-by-side utility terrain vehicle owned by the Town of Tutwiler caught fire and burned Wednesday afternoon, hindering traffic flow along U.S. Highway 49 for a short time.
Tutwiler Fire Chief Gregory Buchanna said Tutwiler workers were using the vehicle to spray a ditch for weeds when smoke began billowing from underneath the hood.
"I don't know how it started," Buchanna explained.
The incident occurred near the intersection of U.S. 49 and Tallahatchie Avenue, across from where Mississippi Highway meets 49. Initially, thick black smoke enveloped the highway and slowed traffic.
City workers could be seen using what appeared to be a garden variety water hose and buckets of water in an attempt to extinguish the fire, but the UTV was a total loss.
Buchanna said a town fire truck was not rolled for the brief fire.
No one was injured.
