WOMAN'S LUCK STAYS BAD; AUTO CATCHES FIRE

Customer service has a new meaning for tellers at the Capital Bank on Broadway.

When a car caught fire Wednesday afternoon at the drive-in window, tellers were quick to provide assistance.

Teller Paula Thurman quickly pointed out that her customer's car was on fire.

"It's an old car and I've always had problems with it," car owner Angie Shown said.

The Camaro caught fire while Shown was attempting to make a withdrawal at the window.

Bank employees said it was just a normal transaction until the car ignited.

"It was smoking and all of a sudden the hood started bubbling," Shown said, adding that her car also had been rear-ended about two weeks ago.

Inspector Michael Morgan said the fire probably was caused by an electrical short.

Vehicle fires aren't common, he added, but with more plastic and electrical components it doesn't require much for a fire to start.

Cape Girardeau firefighters responded to five vehicle fires during the month of July, according to reports published in the Southeast Missourian.