1995 Mercury Villager fuel system problems

The van started to sputter and the engine cut out while driving on the highway at 60 MPH. I managed to coast to the side of the highway and notice smoke entering the passenger compartment. The smoke didn't smell like steam from overheating but a thick black smoke. I moved a safe distance from the van and contacted the police and fire department. The engine compartment burst into flames by the time the fire department arrived. The van was a total loss and the estimated damage was $13000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1995 mercury villager. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted strong fuel fumes from outside and inside the vehicle. The smell was affecting the contact while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 00v419002 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.