News Summary
A Valley Metro bus was engulfed in flames on the Loop 202 in Tempe on Monday night, causing several explosions. Fire crews responded quickly, ensuring no injuries were reported and keeping the area safe in a coordinated effort.
Tempe experienced a dramatic incident on Monday night when a Valley Metro bus was engulfed in flames on the Priest Drive off-ramp of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway. The fire broke out just before 9:30 p.m., and video footage from an Arizona Department of Transportation camera captured alarming scenes of the bus in flames at the intersection, characterized by several explosions and flames shooting out from both sides of the vehicle.
Immediately following the report of the blaze, Tempe Fire crews swiftly arrived on the scene. Upon their arrival, they found the bus already fully engulfed in flames and commenced firefighting efforts to extinguish the fire. The assistant chief from the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department indicated that the bus was powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and that during the fire, the CNG tanks began venting. A coordinated response was put in place to ensure the safety of bystanders and emergency personnel.
Firefighters worked methodically to bring the fire under control. Fortunately, their efforts resulted in the confirmation that the CNG tanks remained intact, which mitigated any further potential hazards. Although the smoke from the fire was visible for miles around, the incident did not disrupt flight operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, ensuring that air traffic remained unaffected by the situation.
Despite the severity of the fire and the explosions heard in the area, no injuries were reported among passengers, bystanders, or first responders. The intersection where the incident occurred was temporarily closed as firefighters worked to ensure that the flames would not spread to nearby areas.
The bus involved in this incident was a part of Valley Metro’s fleet, which serves the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Valley Metro operates public transportation services, including bus and light rail services, and is known for its efforts to maintain safety and reliability for its ridership.
Incidents involving vehicle fires can be dangerous not only for those in close proximity but also for emergency responders. The quick response from Tempe Fire crews and their coordination with law enforcement ensured that the situation was handled effectively without causing harm to surrounding individuals or properties.
This event serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with CNG-powered vehicles and the importance of emergency preparedness when responding to such incidents. In recent years, public transportation agencies have been increasingly integrating CNG vehicles into their fleets due to their environmental benefits, including lower emissions compared to traditional fuels.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, Valley Metro will likely take precautions to assess and ensure the safety of its fleet. Regular safety inspections and maintenance checks are crucial for all public transportation systems to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Overall, while the incident was alarming and had the potential for danger, the effectiveness of emergency response measures ensured that all individuals remained safe. The closure of the intersection was a necessary precaution while firefighters managed the situation. Valley Metro aims to provide safe and efficient transportation while learning from incidents like this to improve their services.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family
- Wikipedia: Tempe
- ABC 15
- Google Search: vehicle fire Tempe Arizona
- KVOA
- Google Scholar: vehicle fires
- KOLD
- Encyclopedia Britannica: vehicle fires
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Google News: Tempe bus fire
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, 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 the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
