In a heart-pounding close call that could have ended in tragedy, legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee and his band Red Dragon Cartel owe their lives to the razor-sharp instincts of their limousine driver, who turned a potential inferno into a narrow escape on a California freeway.
The harrowing incident unfolded on September 9, 2015, as Lee and the band were cruising in a massive 30-foot stretch Hummer limo along the bustling I-280 near San Jose, heading to a high-stakes gig. What started as a routine ride quickly turned nightmarish when thick smoke began billowing into the cabin, triggered by a faulty electrical short in the wiring that threatened an explosive flash fire in the confined space.
Enter the limo driver: spotting the peril in an instant, he executed a flawless emergency maneuver. With heavy traffic bearing down, he guided the vehicle safely to the shoulder, slamming on the brakes without so much as a scrape. In seconds, he was barking orders like a seasoned first responder, ushering the entire group—band members included—out through the doors and to safety on the roadside. Not a single person was hurt, and the driver himself was the last to exit, ensuring no one was left behind.
Moments later, the gamble paid off in the worst way: flames erupted with ferocious speed, devouring the entire limo in a blaze that melted its metal frame and forced authorities to close two lanes of the freeway for hours. Miraculously, the only casualty was the vehicle itself. True to their road-warrior spirit, Lee and Red Dragon Cartel dusted off the shock, secured a replacement ride, and rocked the stage the very next night as planned.
Reflecting on the near-miss, Lee has been vocal in his praise for the driver, hailing him as the “unsung hero” whose cool-headed leadership under pressure was the difference between survival and catastrophe. “That guy didn’t just drive us—he saved us,” Lee has said in interviews, underscoring how the driver’s split-second decisions averted what could have been a devastating loss for the hard rock world.
A decade on, the story stands as a stark reminder of the hidden risks on the touring circuit and a tribute to the everyday pros who keep the music alive. For Lee, it’s a tale of gratitude that still burns bright—no pun intended.
