Man plays violin for California wildfire evacuees stuck in traffic

Team Udayavani, Sep 1, 2021, 11:43 AM IST

The entire California resort city of South Lake Tahoe was ordered to evacuate, due to wildfire.

A man played violin to entertain people as their cars were stuck in traffic jam for several hours after evacuations were ordered.

Netizens compared the scene from the film Titanic where the band played on even as the ship was sinking.

Mel Smothers is seen playing while being stuck in eastbound evacuation traffic on Highway 50.

 

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A post shared by San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle)

He played the “Tennessee Waltz”, his violin kept him occupied and other residents entertained as well during the long wait.

Mel Smothers of South Lake Tahoe plays the violin to pass the time during the #caldorefire evacuation, Monday afternoon. @NorthBayNews pic.twitter.com/VnyE9izFuf

— Kent Porter (@kentphotos) August 30, 2021

Instantly thought of Titanic too

— Laurel (@00LaurelJ) August 30, 2021

Seems like there's too much wasted space on those roads…like…if we ignore the painted lines, could more temporary lanes be formed?

What causes the bottleneck? Sheer volume? Choke points?

If you're in it, have you observed anything they might do to improve things?

— Jeremy E. Simpson (@Kringle) August 31, 2021

this is hauntingly beautiful . Although it feels a little while rome burns nero plays his fiddle #politics #ClimateCrisis #wildfires pic.twitter.com/goSlCisb6q

— Duck screaming into VOID (@DuckPandemic) August 31, 2021

Thank you for all you’re doing, Kent and a huge thanks to all the firefighters and 1st responders. Mel’s ? music is so beautiful, what a lovely gift to all those evacuating South Lake Tahoe. Stay safe everyone. ?? pic.twitter.com/V6JrplmgyF

— rue29 napa valley (@rue29Napa) August 30, 2021