KAUKAUNA — The driver found in a burned-out car discovered early Dec. 23, 2017 likely became disoriented and was unable to escape her vehicle when it became stuck on railroad tracks and burned, according to police.
Police discovered the burning car approximately 2:30a.m. Saturday on the railroad tracks near Holly Ct. along the Fox River.
The fire was suppressed and skeletal remains were found in the car.
In an update Tuesday, police say they believe the driver was an elderly woman who had lost her way, began driving down the railroad tracks which caused a spark, igniting the car.
From today’s post on the Kaukauna Police Department Facebook page:
Update- 12-26-17
The Kaukauna Police Department does not feel this fire was a product of foul play and is not considered to be suspicious.We are confident that the driver of the vehicle was an elderly female from the Fox Valley, who became disoriented, got confused and mistook the railroad tracks as the roadway.
Based upon our investigation and interviews of witnesses, we feel it is possible that the vehicles tires may have flattened, causing sparking to occur between the vehicle and railroad tracks.
This sparking could have caused the fire and the vehicles occupant was unable get out of the vehicle.
We are not releasing the name of the occupant until testing can be done to confirm the occupant’s identity, which could take several weeks.
Assistant Chief Jamie Graff
Kaukauna Police Department
