An Amazon delivery van caught fire unexpectedly in Arlington, Virginia, producing thick black smoke that could be seen from miles away, including the northeastern suburbs of Washington DC.

The incident took place near South Clark Street and 23rd Street South, where a black, gasoline-powered Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van became engulfed in flames.

According to the Arlington Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), preliminary findings suggest the blaze was caused by an engine malfunction.

Officials confirmed there was no explosion, and none of the Amazon packages inside the van were damaged.

While the fire spread to nearby shrubbery, surrounding buildings were not affected. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

The incident has raised concerns due to Mercedes’ previous recall of 53,000 Sprinter vans from the 2019 and 2020 model years.

The recall was issued in 2023 after 11 similar vans caught fire, with the automaker warning that faulty fuse configurations in the climate control system could overheat wiring harnesses and ignite fires.

Authorities have yet to determine whether the van involved in this fire was part of the recalled models.

Fire marshals have launched a detailed investigation to establish the cause and any potential link to earlier safety issues.