Electric Car Fire Shuts Boston’s Mass Pike Westbound for Hours

An electric vehicle caught fire at about 7 a.m. Friday on the westbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike just beyond Boston’s Prudential Tunnel, prompting authorities to shut the highway and divert traffic. Massachusetts State Police said flames engulfed the car and debris scattered across the roadway, damaging several passing vehicles. Boston Fire Department officials warned that extinguishing the lithium-ion battery blaze would take several hours. MassDOT advised drivers to avoid the area, noting congestion extending through central Boston, including Interstate 93, the Zakim Bridge and routes to Logan Airport. No serious injuries have been reported. State Police are investigating the cause of the fire, and westbound lanes are expected to remain closed for much of the morning.