DES MOINES, Iowa – A fire left behind a big, smelly mess in Des Moines Wednesday morning.

At about 10:30 a.m., firefighters were called to Southeast 23rd and Philip Street after a garbage truck caught fire. Officials said a mechanical problem on the truck is to blame.

“There was a hydraulic hose that may have failed and put the fluid on the hot engine or exhaust and then the oil started the truck on fire,” said Des Moines Fire Lt. Bryan Flanigan.

Flames could be seen shooting out above the truck. Neighbors said it didn’t take long for the fire to spread down the curb and to a parked car on the street.

“There was fire all underneath and fire in front of it and then to see the car engulfed in flames in the street,” said neighbor Carol Hellrung.

The garbage truck driver wasn’t hurt. Both the truck and car are a total loss.

“Yes, that’s my first car,” said Colby Luongvan.

Luongvan says he didn’t believe his sister when she told him that his ’91 Honda Accord had “exploded”.

“I came out and I see this. It’s crazy,” said Luongvan.

“It’s pretty unique, yeah,” agreed Flanigan.

In addition to recollecting the trash, the city’s public works crews were called to make sure the hydraulic oil didn’t run down into the storm drains.