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Fire Erupts from SporTran Bus in Shreveport; Passengers Safe

Firefighters extinguishing a fire on a city bus in Shreveport

News Summary

On April 16, 2025, a fire erupted from a SporTran bus at a busy Shreveport intersection, causing dramatic scenes. Emergency responders quickly evacuated all passengers, and firefighters successfully contained the blaze, despite rapid explosions from a CNG fuel tank. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause, with city officials emphasizing the need for safety protocol enhancements in public transit. No injuries were reported, and the community is relieved as discussions around transportation safety begin.

Explosive Fire Erupts from SporTran Bus in Shreveport; All Passengers Evacuated Safely

Shreveport residents witnessed a dramatic scene on April 16, 2025, when a fire erupted from a SporTran bus at the busy intersection of N. Hearne Avenue and Forum Drive. This unfortunate incident unfolded just after 2:30 PM, sending smoke billowing into the air and alarm ringing for city officials.

Emergency Response and Evacuations

As soon as the Caddo 911 center received a fire emergency call, local authorities sprang into action. Firefighters from the Shreveport Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene to tackle the growing flames. Passengers on the bus had been brave enough to exit immediately, guided by a quick-thinking driver who ensured everyone got to safety.

Upon their arrival, firefighters were met with a bus that was fully engulfed in flames, with rapid explosions occurring from one of the bus’s compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tanks. The situation escalated quickly, and firefighters established a safety perimeter to protect the public and to keep bystanders and vehicular traffic at a safe distance from the chaotic scene.

Progress and Damage

With a total of 18 firefighters working across six units, the battle against the fire was intense. A ruptured CNG fuel tank added to the drama, escalating the flames and spreading damage not only to the bus but also to the surrounding area. Fortunately, despite the significant destruction to the bus and the adjacent properties—including an apartment complex and a dialysis center—there were no injuries reported among the passengers or anyone nearby.

Eyewitness Accounts

Witnesses who were at the scene described the sight as harrowing, recalling moments of thick black smoke clouding the sky and a loud explosion ringing out shortly after the bus’s passengers were evacuated. Thankfully, everyone was off the bus in time, thanks to the prompt response of the bus driver.

Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures

In the aftermath of the incident, the city and SporTran officials are rolling up their sleeves to dive deep into investigations. Preliminary findings suggest that a failure in the bus’s fire suppression system might have played a role in the intensity of the fire. This sparks a renewed focus on safety protocols for public transit vehicles. In light of this incident, SporTran has suspended all operations of its CNG buses temporarily while the investigations are underway.

The specific bus involved in the incident had recently passed an inspection just two months prior and was marked for replacement in the near future. Following this fire, SporTran took the initiative to inspect their entire fleet of 40 CNG buses to ensure such an event doesn’t occur again.

Concern for Public Safety

With feelings of relief washing over the community as no lives were lost, discussions about enhancing safety measures on public transportation have begun. The city will be collaborating closely with SporTran and public safety officials to reassess the safety standards and operations of the transit system.

This significant event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols in transportation, and how quickly situations can change. Here’s hoping that the brave actions taken that day will be a lesson learned for the future.