A California sheriff’s deputy was involved in a freak accident when a bear fell on the hood of his patrol car from an embankment, causing the car to crash and spark a fire that burnt almost half an acre of vegetation. The officer miraculously survived the crash.

According to ABC affiliate KRCR-TV, the Humboldt County deputy had responded to reports of overdose in the Orleans area at 11 p.m. with his sirens and headlights on. While he was on his way, driving north on Highway 96, a bear crashed on to the hood of his patrol car from an embankment.

The patrol car crashed into an embankment, rolled over and landed on its side, and caught fire. The flames then spread to nearby vegetation. The deputy managed to escape the burning car, without sustaining any serious injuries. Fire crews arrived at the spot, and put out the blaze by morning.

Caltrans, the state highway department, put out a statement and images regarding the accident on Facebook. “Travelers are reminded to stay alert while exploring the beautiful highways and nature of District 1,” it said. “Bears, elk and deer are just some of the critters sharing our coastal home.”

See posts, photos and more on Facebook.

According to reports, the bear seemed to have fled the scene, and its condition remains unknown.

The outcome of the overdose call to which the deputy was responding also remains unclear.

Bear Crossing sign in Florida
A bear X-ing sign hangs near where two grizzly bear cubs enjoy their first day out in the public at the Palm Beach Zoo on Dec. 17, 2015 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Recently, video footage of a bear swiping pizza and water from a refrigerator a family in Longwood, Florida, kept in their garage was caught on tape. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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