Bus catches fire in Volusia County, causing 55 to be evacuated: Officials

Bus catches fire in Volusia County, causing 55 to be evacuated: Officials

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says a bus caught fire around 11 a.m. on Saturday on I-95 northbound in the area of Mile Marker 237 between Oak Hill and Edgewater.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - Fifty-five people were evacuated from a bus after it caught fire Saturday on Interstate 95 in Volusia County, officials say. 

What happened?

What we know:

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says a bus caught fire around 11 a.m. on Saturday on I-95 northbound in the area of Mile Marker 237 between Oak Hill and Edgewater. 

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Officials say the driver, a 75-year-old man, and 54 passengers were evacuated from the bus safely before firefighters arrived at the scene. Multiple units were called to respond. 

The bus fire took place on Saturday in Volusia County. (Credit: Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association)

Troopers say that tow trucks are currently at the scene of the incident. Officials are asking drivers to be cautious as crews work on the road. 

Only one lane of traffic was open at the time of the incident, but all lanes reopened by 3 p.m. 

Troopers say the passengers were picked up at the scene by another bus. 

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet shared details on what could have possibly caused the bus to catch on fire. 

What they're saying:

"We just came off of cruise. 54 or 55 people having a good time, and then out of nowhere, there is chaos, fire. I mean, the truck [bus] burned to a crisp," said Tanetta Hampton.

FOX 35 Orlando spoke with a mother who said she was on the bus. Tanetta Hampton says she rushed off the bus with her seven-month-old daughter Naomi, leaving all of her belongings inside.

"I didn't even think to grab my baby's baby bag with her formula and diapers, and things. I was just like, let me just hurry up and get out of the way, get off the bus. So that the people in the back can, everybody can get off the bus," she said.

The Hampton family had just gotten off a cruise and were taking the bus back to Georgia when it went up in flames. All of their luggage and everything they brought with them were destroyed, but they’re still feeling grateful.

"That stuff could be replaced, but I'm so thankful that everybody is okay. No one was hurt in any kind of way," said Hampton.

What's next:

Authorities say the incident currently remains under investigation.

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FOX 35 has reached out to investigators for more information about the possible cause of the fire.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.

Fifty-five people were safely evacuated from the bus fire. (Credit: Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association)