[inquest]

Just out of curiosity, is this a common type of accident? It's kind of scary to think that just being hit from behind would trigger an explosion of the gas tank. That cab must've been going pretty fast.

[chance33_98]

It's kind of scary to think that just being hit from behind would trigger an explosion of the gas tank

Not sure to be honest, but I have noticed a lot of supposed problems with the crown victoria's being reported by police departments - not sure off hand if it is related though.

[AngrySpud]

If I recall correctly, the cab was going 70+ mph. The cabbie went to trial recently, but I didn't see the outcome.

[lawdude]

"Just out of curiosity, is this a common type of accident?"

We in Arizona have had a number of officers killed/injured in Crown Vics. Ford claims no responsibility but our crack Atty Gen, Janet (I love Reno) Napalitano (Governor Candidate -D) has only looked into the problem. No results, of course.

[BlazingArizona]

Just out of curiosity, is this a common type of accident?

Actually, Schecterle's accident occurred in March, 2001. It seems that the police model Ford Crown Victoria explodes when rear-ended. Schecterle was the fourth Phoenix-area officer to be involved in such an accident in the same short period of time, and the only survivor. The others were burned alive. We have watched his face being reconstructed since the accident; he has eyes again, and the beginnings of a nose.

Apparently Department policy won't let them buy Toyotas.