A school bus caught fire Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 79 in Harrison County, West Virginia, temporarily shutting down the southbound lanes, reported WBOY News.
According to the news report, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 3:07 p.m. after Harrison County 911 received reports of a vehicle fire on Interstate 79 South, close to the Jerry Dove Drive exit. Responders arrived to find a school bus engulfed in flames.
No children were reportedly aboard the bus at the time of the fire. The driver safely exited the vehicle before crews arrived and was not injured. Photos submitted by residents to local news reporters appeared to show the fire originating near the bus’s rear wheels, though officials have not confirmed the cause. The incident remains under investigation.
The fire reportedly prompted authorities to close the southbound lanes of Interstate 79 while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, and crews ensured the area was safe. Harrison County 911 reported the highway was closed in the area by 3:39 p.m. Traffic resumed after emergency personnel cleared the scene.
According to the article, the Bridgeport Fire Department and Bridgeport Police Department responded alongside the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading while law enforcement managed traffic.
Officials have not released additional information about the school bus, including which district or transportation provider operated the vehicle or whether it was in service before the incident. No additional vehicles were reported to be involved.
Authorities have not announced a cause of the fire, and no further details were immediately available. The investigation is ongoing.
Written with the assistance of AI.
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