Bethesda, Maryland – A Maryland family of five experienced a terrifying ordeal when their SUV burst into flames in their driveway while they were sleeping. The sound of exploding airbags awakened Vicki and Philip Hill, who have 5-year-old twins and a 7-year-old, as their vehicle caught fire in the early hours of the morning on May 14.
According to the Hills, if the SUV had been parked in their garage, the proximity to the gas line could have resulted in a catastrophic explosion. The family’s doorbell camera captured footage of the vehicle starting to smoke before erupting into flames before 6 a.m.
After first responders extinguished the fire, only charred remains and shattered glass were left of the vehicle. Vicki Hill recounted the initial fear and panic upon hearing the explosion, with their immediate priority being to ensure the safety of their children.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the Hills suspect it may be related to the ABS actuator pump seal in the vehicle’s braking system, which they had previously worked on. Nissan has issued a recall for this component in certain vehicles from 2015 to 2019 due to the risk of electrical issues and potential fires, although it is unclear if the Hills’ SUV was part of the recall.
Nissan informed the family that a technician would not be able to visit their home for six to eight weeks. The automaker emphasized the importance of customer safety, stating that an investigation into the incident was underway and that they would be in touch with the Hills.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Nissan for comment on the incident. The Hills remain grateful that they and their children escaped unharmed from the frightening experience.