Authorities said a quick-thinking mail carrier sprung into action and saved his cargo Sunday afternoon when his mail truck caught fire on U.S. 50.
Mechanical failure is suspected in the fire, which apparently began in the United States Postal Service truck’s engine compartment.
According to Montrose County Sheriff’s Office reports, the driver was southbound on U.S. 50 near Carnation Road when he heard engine noise and pulled over. He then discovered the fire and quickly removed his personal items, as well as packages and letters, from the vehicle, Montrose County Undersheriff George Jackson said.
“All the mail was saved. The driver saved it all,” he said.
The flames soon engulfed the entire vehicle, which was fully ablaze when the Olathe Fire Protection District arrived on scene. Firefighters put out the fire within five minutes, but the truck was heavily damaged.
Southbound lanes were closed for about 20 minutes between 3:10 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, according to information from the Colorado State Patrol, which assisted the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office in its response.