Bus Burst Into Flames On I-880 In San Jose
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- About 15 people on a casino trip escaped a tour bus that caught fire Tuesday night on Interstate Highway 880 in San Jose, a California
Highway Patrol spokesman said.
Around 9:40 p.m., officers responded to a report of a bus fire on northbound Highway 880 near Gish Road, CHP Officer Ross Lee said.
@SJFD responds to bus fire NB 880 at Gish Rd. 16 passengers evacuated, no injuries reported. #SJFD @CHPSanJose pic.twitter.com/AvNf8uI8RB
— SanJoseFireFighters (@SJFirefighters) August 31, 2016
The bus had been on the transition ramp from northbound U.S. Highway 101 to northbound Highway 880 when the driver noticed flames coming from the rear of the vehicle, Lee said.
The driver pulled over to the shoulder and evacuated everyone from the bus, then attempted to put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful.
The group waited for emergency crews to reach the scene and firefighters were able to douse the flames.
The fire engulfed the bus, which sustained damage throughout the vehicle including the passenger compartment, according to Lee.
No injuries were reported.
It appears the fire started with a mechanical malfunction and there's no indication that a crime or an incendiary device was involved.
Medina Tours and Charters, a San Jose-based company, owned the bus that was either heading to or returning from a casino, he said.
Multiple lanes of the highway remained closed for about two hours following the bus fire, Lee said.
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