Bus fire erupts in north Shreveport; investigation ongoing

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Authorities are investigating a SporTran bus fire that turned explosive in North Shreveport at the intersection of N. Hearne Avenue and Forum Drive.

Caddo 911 recorded a fire emergency on N. Hearne Avenue and Aero Drive at 2:37 p.m. Shreveport Fire Department said on arrival, the Sportran bus was actively burning, with a relief valve open and flames erupting from one of the vehicle’s compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tanks.

They said they worked quickly with the Shreveport Police Department to secure the scene and establish a safety perimeter to keep bystanders and oncoming traffic at a safet distance.

SFD said that when the crews arrived, they found the bus fully engulfed in smoking flames. He said the driver and all passengers had exited the bus and were a safe distance away.

SFD stated that shortly after arriving, the fuel tank ruptured, rapidly escalating the fire and engulfing the bus in flames.

“We are waiting on the official word from SporTran regarding the investigation and the number of passengers. At this time, we do know there has been heavy damage and there has been damage to the street the bus was on, as well as damage to buildings on either side of the street: one on Dallas Center, one being an apartment complex,” said SFD Assistant to the Fire Chief, Daniel McDonnel.

A total of 18 firefighters operating 6 SFD units worked diligently to bring the situation
under control. Despite the severity of the incident, no injuries were reported, said SFD.

A witness reported that the bus caught fire and quickly became explosive. The explosion did not shatter the windows, and her staff was unharmed.

This is a developing story, and we will update the story when more information becomes available.