Couple transporting grill injured after SUV explodes when wife lights cigarette, cops say
A couple transporting a barbecue grill were injured Sunday after their rental sport utility vehicle exploded, Orlando police said.
Authorities say the crash happened about 3:30 p.m. near the entrance of the Central Florida Fairgrounds near Colonial Drive and Pete Parrish Boulevard.
The couple, Pierre Dadaille and Meguydeline Dessource, had the grill in the back of their red Kia Sorento, Orlando Police Lt. Cindy Lane said.
The grill was turned on and the propane tank was open and connected, Lane said.
Police said the wife started to light a cigarette and the SUV exploded.
The vehicle continued heading west and crashed into a pole, Lane said.
Both occupants were burned, but police said their injuries were not life-threatening.
The vehicle was severely damaged. Photos show the roof partially blown off, the windshield missing and dents all over.
The explosion caused damage to another vehicle that was driving alongside the SUV, police said.
Dadaille, 39, had an active warrant for his arrest on a fleeing and eluding charge, according to police.
He was arrested Sunday and was being held without bail at the
Orange County Jail on Monday on that charge and on a charge of resisting arrest without violence.