Car Hits House, Bursts Into Flames; Driver At Large: Tinley PD

TINLEY PARK, IL — A car hit a house, causing a subsequent fire, and police are still looking for the driver. The Tinley Park Fire and Police Department say they responded to a structural fire at 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, in the 7600 block of West 167th Street.

When firefighters arrived, they saw a home engulfed in flames, with significant structural damage in the garage area, and a car partially visible on the east side of the house, according to the fire department. The house next door was also on fire, officials said.

Officials said firefighters were able to control the blaze in about 30 minutes, with the assistance of firefighters from Orland Park, Oak Forest, Frankfort and Mokena. Crews worked to locate the driver, but no one was found after an extensive search of the car, house and immediate area and neighborhood.

NICOR worked to control a gas leak from the fire next door, according to officials. No firefighters or occupants were injured during the fire, as the struck home was unoccupied, and the homeowner of the neighboring house was able to escape on her own, according to officials.

"I’d like to recognize the fast work by our Fire Department crews, as well as our entire public safety team, 911 center and Emergency Management officials for a great effort," Tinley Park Fire Chief Forest Reeder said.

The Tinley Park Police Department is still investigating the crash.