Five rental cars used by President Biden's Secret Service during the president's family holiday vacation in Nantucket went up in flames Monday morning, less than 24 hours after the cars were returned to Hertz, according to Nantucket Current (see videos below). The cause is under investigation, but Nantucket Fire Chief Michael Cranson ruled out foul play.
From Nantucket Current:
There were no injuries, but five cars sustained significant damage and the blaze occurred just 40 feet from the airport's jet fuel tanks. …
An investigation into the incident has determined that the blaze was not suspicious, according to Nantucket Fire Chief Michael Cranson. The connection to the Secret Service and President Biden, however, put a national spotlight on the story and the island, while fueling conspiracy theories about the fire.
While the official cause is undetermined, officials have focused on a white Ford Expedition as the initial source of the fire. That vehicle was under a safety recall by the manufacturer due to a faulty battery junction box that has caused fires elsewhere. While it had been scheduled for service under the recall, sources said, it had not been repaired. …
The Secret Service did not immediately return a message from the Current seeking comment, however, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told NBC News that Hertz is investigating the fire, and that the Secret Service is not involved. Guglielmi said he doesn't have any information on what might have started the fire.
The half-charred vehicles, which have since been towed away, included a Chevy Suburban, Ford Explorer, Infiniti QX80, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Gladiator.
Front page thumbnail image: a katz / shutterstock.com
