Taxi catches fire on street in Midtown Manhattan

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- Firefighters were on the scene after a taxi caught fire Monday afternoon on a street in Midtown Manhattan.

It happened at about 1:40 p.m. in front of 435 Fifth Avenue, between East 38th and 39th Streets.

Authorities say the driver made the turn from 38th Street onto Fifth and noticed smoke from under the hood. He pulled over and told his two passengers to quickly exit, before a passerby called attention to some flames coming from above one of the front wheels.

Dozens of people called 911 to report the fire.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission said the driver and passengers were able to exit safely, and no injuries were reported.

Members of the FDNY were able to quickly extinguish the blaze.