Single-car wreck claims life of driver

A Ford Explorer driven by Thomas Hansen of Sisters crashed into a tree on Wednesday, killing Hansen and starting a fire. photo by Jim Cornelius

A fiery single-vehicle car crash on Camp Polk Road on Wednesday, November 12, claimed the life of 44-year-old Thomas George Hansen of Sisters.

According to Deschutes County Sheriff's Office reports, Hansen was traveling northbound on Camp Polk Road just past Aspen Lakes Golf Course when his 1999 Ford Explorer left the roadway for unknown reasons.

The Explorer struck a tree and burst into flames with the driver still inside. Passing motorists tried to get Hansen out of the vehicle, but the fire drove them back.

Witnesses said that they heard a series of small explosions in the car and they were unable to approach closer.

The fire spread to surrounding trees and brush in an area about 200 feet in diameter, which hampered rescue efforts, the sheriff's office reported.

Units from Cloverdale and Sisters fire districts responded to put the fire out.

Hansen died at the scene. He leaves behind his wife and three children, all of whom live in Sisters.

The weather was clear and the roadway was dry.

There was no immediate indication as to what caused the accident.

The investigation is continuing, according to a release provided by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.