Mechanical Malfunction Suspected in Bus Fire

January 6, 2010

Pasadena – Authorities are now investigating whether a malfunction in the engine compartment has caused the fire on a Metro bus Wednesday afternoon on Colorado Boulevard.

The driver of the westbound 780 Metro bus noticed a fire which started at the engine compartment and called authorities who responded immediately to douse the fire, authorities said.

Reports indicate that if responding firefighters had not pulled a valve to cut-off the flow of fuel, an explosion would have taken place. The bus was run by compressed natural gas which will burn quickly if the fire spread past the engine compartment.

The driver was unhurt as authorities continue to investigate other factors that could have caused the crash.