News Summary
On April 16, 2025, a SporTran bus caught fire and exploded at a busy intersection in Shreveport, leaving residents in shock. The bus driver and 11 passengers escaped without injury as firefighters responded swiftly. The incident led to evacuation orders for nearby buildings and ongoing investigations into safety protocols surrounding CNG buses. Despite this dramatic event, Shreveport’s transit services will continue without interruption as officials ensure public safety.
Investigation Underway Following Shocking Bus Fire in Shreveport
Shreveport residents were left in disbelief after a SporTran bus erupted in flames and subsequently exploded at the busy intersection of N. Hearne Avenue and Forum Drive on April 16, 2025. The incident was reported to Caddo 911 at precisely 2:37 p.m. and sparked a substantial emergency response.
Quick Response Averted Major Disaster
When the Shreveport Fire Department arrived on the scene, they found a chaotic situation: the bus was fully engulfed in flames, and a relief valve connected to its compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tank was wide open. Thankfully, the bus driver, along with 11 passengers, managed to exit the vehicle in time and were safely away from the inferno.
Unfortunately, the situation escalated quickly. Moments after the initial fire broke out, the CNG fuel tank ruptured, resulting in a dramatic explosion that sent shrapnel flying. Witnesses described a massive fire plume that reached upwards of 30 feet, followed by a chilling thud that could be felt from a distance. The explosion rocked the intersection and caused significant damage not just to the bus, but also to the street and nearby structures, including an apartment complex and an adjacent dialysis center.
Precautionary Measures Implemented
To ensure public safety, officials made the decision to evacuate the nearby dialysis center as a precaution. Meanwhile, the Shreveport Fire Department deployed 18 firefighters across six units to tackle the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. Miraculously, there were no reported injuries among the bus passengers or any bystanders, but the event still left many shaken.
State Response and Future Safety Plans
In light of the explosion, the State police hazmat team was called into action due to concerns surrounding the CNG fuel involved in the incident. To prevent a similar event from occurring in the future, the Executive Director of SporTran announced a comprehensive maintenance inspection for all CNG buses in their fleet. During this critical period, the transit authority will temporarily switch to non-CNG buses for their services.
Interestingly, the involved bus had undergone an inspection just two months prior to the explosion and was on a scheduled plan for retirement. Given these prior steps, the transit authority is taking this situation seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety of its fleet.
Life Goes On in Shreveport’s Transit System
Despite the unfortunate incident, it’s essential for Shreveport residents to know that all other bus routes will continue to operate normally. The transit system has worked diligently to maintain service and provide residents with reliable transportation.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will undoubtedly scrutinize the circumstances that led to this shocking incident. The community is coming together to reflect on the incident and appreciate the swift action taken by first responders. Shreveport residents can rest assured that measures are being put into place to enhance the safety of public transit and prevent any similar occurrences in the future.
As always, it’s crucial for the community to stay informed and aware of developments as the investigation continues. Residents are urged to follow local updates and remain vigilant while enjoying the transit services that are vital for daily commuting.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News
- Wikipedia: Bus Fire
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Google Search: Shreveport bus explosion
- 710 KEEL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Explosion
- KTAL News
- Google News: Shreveport bus fire explosion
- KTBS News
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
