Bus Fire Forces Closure Of U.S. Highway 1 In Scottsmoor

By  //  January 14, 2013

No Injuries Reported

BREVARD COUNTY • SCOTTSMOOR, FLORIDA – A fire aboard a Space Coast Area Transit bus Monday morning has forced the closure of the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 1 in Scotsmoor near Montgomery Road.  

Lt, Jeff Taylor of Brevard County Fire Rescue said crews were dispatched to the scene at 9:32 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters reported a small transit bus with an engine compartment fire.

Taylor said the bus driver was the only person on the bus when the fire broke out and was able to evacuate without injury.

The fire resulted from a ruptured fuel line that spilled diesel fuel onto the engine block of the bus and spread to the remaining engine compartment.  Fuel from the fuel line continued to re-ignite until the engine could be cooled by firefighters.

Brevard County Fire Rescue’s Hazardous Materials unit was called to the scene to stop the fuel leak.

Taylor said fire officials also notified the Florida Department of Environmental Protection because of concerns that runoff fuel may affect the surrounding terrain.

Fire officials report that representatives from Space Coast Area Transit have arrived at the scene and have said he bus is not able to be driven.

A damage estimate for the bus has not been provided.

The fire is out and HazMat technicians are working to stop the fuel leak.

U.S. Highway 1 northbound remains closed to traffic.