May 14, 2025

SporTran Bus Explosion in Shreveport Sends Shockwaves

News Summary

A SporTran bus exploded in Shreveport following a fire that erupted while it was stopped, but all 11 passengers were safely evacuated thanks to the bus driver’s quick actions. The explosion, triggered by ruptured CNG fuel tanks, prompted immediate evacuations in the area. Officials are investigating the incident as city leadership commends the driver and the transit agency’s safety protocols while ensuring thorough evaluations of CNG buses.

Shreveport

A SporTran bus exploded on North Hearne Avenue in Shreveport on Wednesday afternoon, April 16, 2025. The explosion was triggered by a fire that erupted while the bus was stopped at a bus stop, and it fortunately occurred only after the bus driver managed to evacuate all 11 passengers safely.

The fire, which saw flames shooting high into the air, escalated quickly, culminating in a significant explosion. As a precautionary measure, nearby residents were evacuated from a dialysis center and an adjacent apartment complex; however, no injuries were reported following the incident.

Details of the Incident

The bus involved in the incident was powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), which is known for its efficiency but has specific risks associated with it. The fire was ignited by one of the CNG fuel tanks when it ruptured due to the flames. Investigators indicated that the bus’s fire suppression system failed to contain the blaze before it escalated to this extent.

SporTran CEO Dinero Washington recognized the quick response of the bus driver, Valerie Ross, and stated that she effectively followed her training protocol, which allowed for the safe evacuation of all passengers before the fire became dangerous. Following the explosion, the transit agency immediately grounded all CNG buses for a thorough evaluation to prevent further incidents.

Municipal Response and Safety Measures

The explosion caused visible damage to the street and surrounding structures, including the dialysis center. In response, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux praised the bus driver and the actions taken by SporTran to prioritize safety. The mayor emphasized the importance of prompt action to safeguard the community and expressed gratitude for the decisive measures taken by the transit authority.

As a result of the incident, the state police hazmat team was deployed to assess the situation due to the CNG-related implications. SporTran also reiterated its commitment to rider safety through ongoing maintenance inspections of all its buses, especially those powered by CNG.

Investigation and Future Actions

Investigations are currently underway to determine the precise causes of the fire and subsequent explosion. Preliminary assessments will include examining potential oil leaks or other issues that may have contributed to the failure of the fire suppression system. Remarkably, the bus in question had undergone an inspection two months prior and was slated for replacement soon, raising further questions about its operational safety.

SporTran remains committed to maintaining its zero-fare policy while updating the public on safety initiatives. The agency is working to ensure all CNG buses meet established safety standards before resuming operation. Maintaining trust in the public transit system is essential, and SporTran plans to be transparent regarding the ongoing investigations and findings related to this incident.

This event serves as a significant reminder of the inherent risks associated with public transportation systems and the vital role of emergency preparedness and response.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Shreveport Community Shocked by Bus Explosion
Fire Erupts from SporTran Bus in Shreveport; Passengers Safe
Shreveport Bus Driver’s Heroic Actions Save Lives in Explosive Incident
Investigation Underway Following Shocking Bus Fire in Shreveport
Shreveport Bus Fire Results in Explosion, All Safe

Additional Resources

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.

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STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

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