The North Carolina house fire that killed NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s father and injured his mother has been ruled accidental but it’s still unclear what started it.
A report released by Gaston County Emergency Management & Fire Services said the Dec. 28
fire at the two-story home originated in a bedroom, but the “cause of ignition” is “undetermined.”
Otherwise, the investigation determined the fire as accidental, Gaston County spokesperson Adam Gaub wrote in an email Friday.
Hamlin’s parents, Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin were found outside the home the evening of the fire suffering from catastrophic injuries, officials said. Dennis Hamlin, 75, later died, while his wife survived.
The home, located near Stanley about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Charlotte, w
as owned by a company that listed Denny Hamlin as its manager, according to government records.
Dennis Hamlin was already seriously ill last year, his son previously said.
Denny Hamlin is a leading driver in NASCAR’s top circuit, having won 60 NASCAR Cup Series rac
es, including the Daytona 500 three times. Hamlin and Michael Jordan co-own the car driven by Tyler Reddick that won this year’s Daytona 500 last weekend.
However, over time, the technology “will indelibly alter” the landscapes of both insurance and legal industries, said Senior Director Gerry Glombicki.
“While AVs have moved beyond proof of concept, widespread adoption will take considerable time due to high costs, regulatory fragmentation, and consumer prefere
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nces,” said Senior Director Gerry Glombicki. The current average U.S. vehicle age is almost 13 years, so it takes time for the fleet to turn over.”
Only a small fraction of vehicles on the road have high- or full-driving automation capabilities. Those that are on the pavement have proven to reduce the frequenc
y of accidents and the severity of bodily injuries. However, when repairs are needed after an incident, costs are significantly more expensive.
Fitch says AVs also introduce coverage confusion. Claims become more complex, with prod
uct liability additionally impacting manufacturers, designers, suppliers. Vehicle owners may also share liability.