traffic_busfire_wsdot_1-5.jpg
(WSDOT Photo)

Bus catches fire on southbound I-5 express lanes in Seattle

BY Alyssa Kleven  on January 11, 2013 @ 7:33 am (Updated: 10:51 am - 1/11/13 )

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A bus that caught fire just after 7 a.m. caused a nightmare morning commute, as cars headed to Seattle inched along on southbound I-5.

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A Sound Transit articulated bus safely evacuated all of its passengers, after a fire started near the rear tires or axel, according to Washington State Trooper Julie Judson.

"They offloaded passengers onto the shoulder. Shortly after the bus (became) very fully engulfed," Judson described.

There are no reports of passenger related injuries. Firefighters utilized a near by overpass to help put out the fire that lasted nearly 30 minutes.

The Washington State Patrol reopened all express lanes in the southbound direction around 9:30 a.m. Earlier in the morning, state troopers started working to turn around vehicles on the express lanes and get them onto I-5 southbound.

Alyssa Kleven, MyNorthwest.com Editor
Alyssa Kleven is an editor and content producer at MyNorthwest.com. She enjoys doting over her adorable dachshund Winnie - named for Arcade Fire front-man Win Butler.
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Comments (13)


  • Add A Comment

  • RAH wrote...
    Launch an investigation with the FAA
    January 11, 2013 7:02 am
    Determine if the bus was assembled in South Carolina......
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    How Ironic: Sound Transit responsible for Seattle gridlock
    January 11, 2013 7:14 am
    A near perfect microcosm for the Seattle area traffic mess. If it weren't for billions being diverted to these stupid buses and trains, we'd have enough money for roadway expansion without all the tolls, taxes, fees and shakedowns. Instead we have some of the worst traffic in the country and all we have to show for the billions spent is a fleet of empty buses and trains...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Newton wrote...
    Buses Are Dangerous
    January 11, 2013 8:01 am
    They Should be Band.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    I'm calling for
    January 11, 2013 8:07 am
    Stricter Bus Control. We need more laws on Buses!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • PHR wrote...
    Ban these artuculated "Assault Busses"
    January 11, 2013 8:21 am
    If it even only saves 1 life, it's worth it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    Between the buses and the HOV lane
    January 11, 2013 8:49 am
    There are more accidents/crashes/jackknives/breakdowns and other assorted goodies. All cause commuting nightmares which were supposedly circumvented by creating the HOV lane and high capacity vehicles.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    Airplane - Bus -
    January 11, 2013 9:34 am
    your next Train. It all started because of the new Arena. Going to hid under my flounder. Before I go Its Bush's fault !!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    CH - Are you on drugs?
    January 11, 2013 10:19 am
    None of your posts are coherent.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    CH - Are you on drugs? - It's Me Ha ha -
    January 11, 2013 10:33 am
    only my hairdresser knows for sure. Maybe its the flounder!! Sure got gas, you?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • C"mon Man wrote...
    Shark 75
    January 11, 2013 11:03 am
    I agree!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cougsfan34 wrote...
    To Axel or not to Axle
    January 11, 2013 11:33 am
    "after a fire started near the rear tires or axel" Axel: A type of jump in figure skating. Axle: A central shaft attatched to wheels or pulleys.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Ironhdron wrote...
    Bad Mangment
    January 11, 2013 2:27 pm
    These Communitee Transit, Sound Transit managers all came originaly from King county Metro. They saw another sheep to fleace. They get more money from the federal government. Then they try to say it works so well cause of thier work, not the employees. Then when some bus needs to be serviced, i.e. drain water from air system, add deicer to air system it is not done properly. Air and water freezes in break lines brakes drag and catch fire. Oh well will just get more money from the feds.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }