Case Study: 1994 Saturn SL2

Summary

 

  • Fuel:
    • Gasoline
  • Ignition:
    • Mechanical spark
    • Electrical spark
  • Initiation: Immediate
  • Propagation time: 1-3 minutes

 

The rear end impact caused seam openings on right and left sides of the passenger compartment. Gasoline was most likely sprayed through these openings during the impact, resulting in fire largely limited to the passenger compartment. Fire began immediately from mechanical or electrical sparks, or hot filaments from lights. Mechanical sparks were considered to be the most likely source due to their observed volume. Propagation to the passenger compartment was within 1-3 minutes of impact.