Vehicle Fire on 101 Leaves Teen in Critical Condition

Peter Delira, a 16-year-old San Francisco resident, is breathing easier today after being pulled from a burning recreational vehicle on the northbound lanes of Highway 101 on Friday afternoon.

According to a CHP press release, Kenneth Steinbach, a 76-year old Lompoc resident, was driving the RV when he noticed smoke in the rear of the vehicle. After pulling over the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames, trapping Delira inside. Santa Monica resident John Sullivan of was one of many motorists who stopped to aid the trapped victim.

Steinbach and Sullivan worked together to pry the door open and rescue the unconscious Delira. Steinbach administered CPR while Highway Patrol and S.B. County Fire Dept. arrived on the scene. Officer Sanchez of the CHP assisted with CPR and rescue breathing and was able to successfully revive the victim. Delira was taken by ambulance to Cottage Hospital and admitted with second- and third-degree burns. He is currently listed as being in critical but stable condition.

The cause of the fire is still uncertain.