MANCHESTER — A vehicle fire in the Manchester Plaza Shopping Center damaged three cars and left one woman injured, authorities said.
Police were called to the parking lot late in the morning on November 20 after a 2018 Toyota Camry caught fire, with flames coming from the engine area. Officers confirmed no one was inside the burning vehicle or nearby cars and secured the scene as firefighters arrived.
The blaze spread to two vehicles parked alongside the Camry — a 2013 Honda Accord and a 2005 Nissan Altima — before crews brought it under control. Multiple fire companies, including Manchester Volunteer, Lakehurst Volunteer, Ridgeway Volunteer and Manchester Career firefighters, responded and quickly knocked down the flames.
The car’s owner, 79-year-old Ann Dacunto of Manchester, suffered burns to her hands and face. Manchester Township EMS treated her at the scene before she was taken to Community Medical Center with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The Toyota and Honda were heavily damaged and later towed. The Nissan sustained only minor damage and remained operable.
Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, though early findings show no signs of foul play. Parts of the parking lot were shut down for about two hours during the response and investigation.
