ST. PETERSBURG – Firefighters responding to a vehicle in flames, parked in the emergecy lane of  I-275 North, made a gruesome discovery: the charred body of a man in the driver's seat.

Pinellas County Fire Rescue reported that fire-rescue workers were extinguishing the car fire at abour 10 a.m. today, when they spotted the deceased man, with severe burns to his body.

The burns on his body are so extensive that investigators have not confirmed the man's identity.

The vehicle is described as a 1992 Chevrolet Caprice. The victim is believed to be a 59-year-old St. Petersburg resident. The man was not wearing a seatbelt.

Members of the state Highway Patrol and Fire Marshal's Office are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the cause of the fire. 

Until the body can be positively identified and next-of-kin notified, the identity of the driver will be withheld. 

Any witnesses to this incident are asked to contact Cpl. Douglas Guy, 813-558-1800, ext. 31571.