News Summary
A SporTran bus exploded at a bus stop in Shreveport, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 11 passengers and the driver. The explosion occurred after smoke was noticed and the driver evacuated everyone just minutes before the bus erupted in flames. The incident, caused by a malfunction in the bus’s CNG fuel system, prompted safety inspections for all similar vehicles in the fleet.
Shreveport Bus Explosion No Injuries Reported
A SporTran bus exploded on Wednesday afternoon at a bus stop located on North Hearne and Forum Drive in west Shreveport. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 11 passengers and the driver who had just evacuated the vehicle moments before the explosion.
The incident began when smoke started emanating from the back of the bus. The driver quickly took action, guiding all passengers to safely exit the bus. Approximately five minutes after the evacuation, the bus erupted into flames with a significant explosion, sending debris flying across the street.
Details of the Incident
The bus that exploded was powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). The fire reportedly ignited from one of its CNG fuel tanks, resulting in a substantial fire plume that witnesses described as reaching around 30 feet. Shrapnel from the explosion scattered over a wide area, with a large piece of aluminum landing roughly 100 yards from the bus.
The explosion created extensive damage not only to the bus but also to the surrounding infrastructure. Nearby buildings, including a dialysis center directly across the street, were evacuated as a precautionary measure following the blast. The situation prompted the involvement of state police hazmat teams to address the CNG-related incident.
Response and Follow-Up Actions
In response to the explosion, SporTran’s Executive Director, Dinero Washington, announced that all CNG buses would be temporarily pulled from service to conduct safety inspections. Maintenance checks for the remaining buses in the fleet have begun to ensure public safety.
It’s important to note that the specific bus involved in the explosion had undergone an inspection just two months prior to the incident. According to reports, it was already scheduled for retirement and replacement on that route.
Impact on Public Transportation
Despite the dramatic events surrounding the explosion, SporTran reported that all other bus routes continued to operate normally after the incident. This allowed the public transportation system to maintain services for the community while ensuring the safety of its passengers.
Conclusion
The explosion of the SporTran bus in Shreveport serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the need for ongoing inspections of public transport vehicles. Thanks to the swift actions of the bus driver and emergency response teams, no injuries were sustained, highlighting the effectiveness of immediate evacuation procedures in emergency situations.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Wikipedia: Buses in Shreveport
- KSLA News
- Google Search: SporTran bus explosion
- KTBS News
- Google Scholar: CNG vehicle explosion prevention
- KTAL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Explosion
- 710 KEEL News
- Google News: SporTran Shreveport
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.
