Charter bus carrying teens catches on fire while driving on I-81 in Lexington

Expect major traffic delays in that area

Photo Courtesy: Maureen House

LEXINGTON – A passenger bus caught fire while traveling north on Interstate 81 through Lexington.

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It happened sometime after 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

The 911 call came in at 10:26 a.m.

According to the Lexington Fire Department, the charter bus was carrying 17 teenagers from a Richmond area school.

No one was injured during the fire. The fire started in the engine compartment for unknown reasons while driving down the interstate.

Dispatchers with 911 confirm the bus is located at mile marker 191 when the fire happened. According to VDOT, all northbound lanes were blocked for an hour after the fire, causing major delays.

The teens on board the charter bus were picked up by another bus with the same company.Traffic has been cleared from the area. Virginia State Police say no charges will be filed.


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