A bus operated by Sun Metro caught fire in downtown El Paso on Sunday afternoon, prompting a swift response from local firefighters. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Oregon Street and Franklin Avenue. Eyewitness video showcased flames erupting from the rear of the bus.
Fire Incident Details
The El Paso Fire Department quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries associated with the fire.
Cause of the Fire: Mechanical Failure
According to a statement released by Sun Metro on Monday, preliminary investigations indicate that the fire stemmed from an “accidental mechanical failure” linked to the air conditioning system of the bus. The operator acted promptly to ensure all passengers were evacuated safely.
Response from Sun Metro
- Sun Metro emphasized the importance of passenger and employee safety.
- They expressed gratitude to the El Paso Fire Department for their rapid response.
- Sun Metro is conducting a comprehensive internal review of the incident.
Sun Metro highlighted that such incidents are extremely rare within their operations. The bus involved in the fire had recently undergone routine preventive maintenance and inspection. They adhere to stringent federal and industry safety regulations, ensuring regular and thorough inspections of their fleet.
Maintenance Standards
Despite ongoing reconstruction of the Maintenance Facility Center, Sun Metro maintains efficient operations for vehicle upkeep. They continue to uphold high standards for reliability and performance across their fleet.
