Van hits deer, bursts into flames on Highway 97

A catering van burst into flames shortly after hitting a deer on Highway 97 near Deschutes Junction north of Bend on Friday, but the driver got out and was uninjured, officials said.

The van’s driver said he was heading north just south of the Tumalo/Deschutes Market Road exit shortly after noon when the deer entered the roadway.

After the collision, the driver said he pulled into a safe area on the southbound shoulder, then heard the sound of fluid leaking.

Just as he got out, the van started smoking, then caught fire.

Firefighters soon arrived and put out the blaze. The deer perished as a result of the collision, but there were no other injuries.