Fatal car explosion under investigation

State police at Uniontown are investigating the death of a Menallen Township man who they said died after his vehicle exploded into flames in his driveway.

Andrew Berdar, 49, of 10 Center Ave., New Salem, was pronounced dead Wednesday night at the scene. A spokesman for the Fayette County Coroner's Office said the manner and cause of death have not been determined. An autopsy will be performed today.

Police said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A New Salem woman was visiting her parents across the street from the Berdar home when the fire occurred about 8:45 p.m.

'I heard the explosion, and I went straight to the window and the car was up in flames,' said Theresa Edenfield, who immediately telephoned Fayette County 911. She said the New Salem fire department responded quickly but the car was engulfed in flames, and the fire had spread to the garage.

Edenfield said neighbors checked the Berdar residence, but no one was home. She said Berdar and his wife lived there about 20 years and have two grown children.

'They were good people,' Edenfield said, adding her condolences to the family.

She said she didn't see or hear anything unusual prior to the fire.