Tulsa mom's van catches fire as kids were getting inside

NaTelor Davis, a mother of three, had just picked her daughters up from a school picnic and stopped at a boba tea shop near 71st and Garnett.

NaTelor Davis:

“We were leaving from the girls’ school… we went in to get boba tea. We were there maybe 25, 30 minutes.”

As they returned to the van, Davis and her sister noticed smoke coming from the hood.

“The Car Is On Fire!”

NaTelor Davis:

“I immediately let my sister know—the car is on fire—and to get the girls out.”

Davis says they quickly got the children to safety, but within moments, the van was engulfed in flames.

The Van Was Purchased Just 2 Weeks Earlier

The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country was meant to be a fresh start.

NaTelor Davis:

“It was really nice… it had a DVD player and all kinds of stuff the girls really liked.”

Now, the family is left without transportation, struggling to get the kids to school and appointments.

Mechanic: These Things Can Happen

Randy Stringer, owner of Randy’s Automotive & Alignment, says car fires are rare—but scary.

Randy Stringer:

“Hoping that everybody got out safe is the first thing.”

He stresses the importance of having a vehicle inspected before buying it.

Randy Stringer:

“If they won’t let you take your vehicle for a pre-purchase inspection—don’t buy it.”

No Help From the Dealer—Yet

Davis says she’s disappointed the dealership hasn’t apologized or offered help.

NaTelor Davis:

“Our family buys vehicles from them. You’d think they would try to help us.”

The Dealer Responds

News On 6 reached out to the dealership. They said Davis is a "great customer" and they are willing to discuss a discount on another vehicle with her.

Planning to buy a used car? Experts say: Get it inspected first—and make sure it’s insured immediately.