BURLINGTON, Mass. — Heavy smoke could be seen from above as a coach bus caught on fire along Route 128 on the Burlington/Lexington line.
Burlington and Lexington firefighters were seen putting out the flames on the side of the road.
No injuries were reported.
Lexington Fire reports a bus fire 128 Northbound. Reports are all passengers have self evacuated. Lexington Fire requests third attack line to be pulled off Burlington Engine Two.
— Burlington Fire Dept (@BurlingtonMAFD) July 10, 2019
Sky25 was over the scene of the fire and could see the Tufts University students, who were on a trip to Lowell, standing outside as firefighters put out the fire.
The fire, which started towards the back of the bus, was extinguished within the hour.
The bus company has a very good safety record, according to federal records.
Engine Two reports bus fire has been extinguished. Will remain on scene assisting other company’s.
— Burlington Fire Dept (@BurlingtonMAFD) July 10, 2019
According to records from the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the company was rated satisfactory last year.
In two years, "Local Motion" only had two unsafe driving violations for speeding and a seat belt violation.
A transportation safety expert reviewed the records and told Boston 25 News the company has a very good safety score, and nothing he saw would throw up any red flags.
"I saw the smoke coming up, I was right above the wheel," said Tufts instructor Sarah Hill, who helped her students get off the bus safely.
"I said, ‘Look, I see smoke. We need to get out immediately. We got out immediately and thank God we’re all very safe," Hill said.
The company credits the driver for pulling over when he did.
"It was the experience and quick action of our driver, who has a spotless record and thousands of hours behind the wheel at our company and other regional bus travel providers, that ensured all of the passengers were unharmed." --Bruce Barrows, Director, Co-Owner, Local Motion of Boston
The engine of the bus is in the back where the fire started.
The company says they don't know if the fire started there or near one of the wheels.
Police closed down the ramp from Interstate 95 northbound to Route 3 northbound in Burlington. Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes.
#MAtraffic Ramp from Rte 95 N/B to Rte 3 N/B in #Burlington closed due to bus fire. No injuries reported.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) July 10, 2019
It's still unclear what caused the fire.
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