Springfield Township – The Toledo Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a non-injury school bus fire which occurred on Interstate 475 northbound near milepost 9 in Springfield Township on August 20, 2020 at approximately 11A.M.
A 2009 Toledo Public Schools bus, driven by 64-year-old Victoria Burks of Toledo, Ohio was northbound on Interstate 475, when it experienced a mechanical defect and smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment. This prompted Ms. Burks to pull over to the shoulder. Once on the shoulder of the roadway, she and her lone passenger exited the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire and the engine compartment became engulfed with flames.
State Troopers arrived on scene and attempted to put out the flames to no avail. EMS and Fire were contacted and arrived on scene to extinguish the flames.
A small amount of diesel fuel and oil were released due to the incident. Ohio EPA was contacted reference the spill.
No injuries were reported by either occupant of the vehicle. The roadway remained closed for approximately 30-minutes.
Safety belts were in use by both occupants.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, Springfield Township Fire Department, and Sylvania Township Fire Department.
The crash remains under investigation.
