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CHEMUNG, N.Y. -- A driver narrowly escaped death as his pickup truck burst into flames in the Town of Chemung.

The man was traveling down Route 17 around 8:30 p.m. Thursday when he noticed the truck having mechanical difficulties. When he realized it could lead to a much larger problem, he pulled to the side of the road and got out of the vehicle. It's a move that emergency responders say was the difference between life and death.

"I mean, that is what saved his life. The fact that he was able to get out so fast. He was uninjured, though, so we're thankful for that," Chemung Fire Chief Barry LaRock said.

The vehicle burst into flames moments after the driver got out.

The fire department was able to put out the fire within minutes of their arrival. They did close down one lane of the road while they were on scene.