Mitsubishi Repair: Eagle Talon ... close enough to a eclipse meybe you will know, blown head gasket, white smoke

Question
Buddy of mine has a talon, he was driving about 85 and there was a 'thud' under the hood and white smoke from the exhaust and under the car, he poped the hood and saw the turbo or something connected to the turbo glowing and the car not wanting to engage during gears, i suggested a blown seal, but i really don't know - please get back to me asap, he is on a road trip from NJ to VA at 345am...any advice would be awesome
thanks, mike

Answer
Mike,
White smoke indicates coolant has entered the cumbustion chamber and/or exhaust system.  The head gasket may have blown, the turbocharger no longer was being cooled properly because of lack of coolant, and it's possible the engine may have seized due to overheating.  That could account for all your problems.  You'll want to have the car towed and have a mechanic do a compression test to see if you do indeed have a blown head gasket.
Good luck!