Man dies in motor home fire on Hwy 116 in Sonoma Co

SONOMA CO, Calif. (KGO) -- A man was killed Sunday morning after a motor home caught fire on state Highway 116 east of Petaluma in unincorporated Sonoma County, according to the CHP.

The incident was initially reported as a motor home on fire on the right-hand shoulder of Highway 116 near County Dump Road at 7:49 a.m. Some people reported seeing a man trapped inside as it caught fire.

CHP says the motor home may have exploded before becoming englufed in flames. The vehicle then crashed into a grassy, wooded hillside leaving debris scattered throughout the area.

The victim, a Sonoma County resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Sig-alert was issued for Highway 116 between Watmaugh and Adobe roads at 8:47 a.m. The roadway reopened at 12:15 p.m., and the Sig-alert was cancelled at 12:23 p.m., according to the CHP. At least 10 emergergency vehicles responded, including firefighters from Shell Vista, Sonoma and Cal Fire.

The victim has not yet been identified.

"Witnesses did report someone appearing inside the vehicle; however, they were unbable to get to that individual due to the large flames," said CHP officer Anna Paulson. "We have a large scene. There was debris form this motorhome that goes from the actual spot from where it ended up to further back, so we have a lot to investigate."

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The CHP says it could be a mechanical issue.

The CHP is urging witnesses to the fire to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call the Napa CHP office.

Bay City News contributed to this report.