Truck engulfed in fire at drive-thru

VENICE — A landscaping truck caught fire in the drive-thru of a Culver’s on Monday, charring the building.

Onlookers could spot the charred remains of the vehicle in the restaurant’s drive thru lane near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Shamrock Avenue in South Venice.

No injuries were reported at the scene, according to Sarasota County Emergency Services. The restaurant was evacuated after the fire was called in.

Residents reported hearing a loud bang around 1:20 p.m.

Venice Gardens resident Brandon Keenan was working on an old Corvette when he heard the noise. He said he ducked down, thinking it was a gunshot.

“And then sirens, 10 seconds later,” he said, estimating the response time.

The fire was extinguished around 1:55 p.m. according to emergency services. A fuel leak was also discovered and subsequently contained. Responders reported the fuel leak to the state.

Once the fire was put out, firefighters doused the vehicle and the side of Culver’s that had been facing the vehicle to prevent embers catching flame again.

Visible charring could be seen on the building’s surface. The restaurant was closed after the fire.