Detroit DOT drivers save buses from fire

[East New York]

Detroit Department of Transportation Director Lovevett Williams called DDOT drivers heroes after an early morning fire destroyed nearly $3 million worth of buses.

 

Eight buses went up in flames at the Schaefer Road bus bay near Schoolcraft just after 4:30 a.m., but Williams said drivers saved 10 or 11 buses, "endangering their lives" by driving them out.

 

"The employees were really heroic," she said, adding that one driver suffered minor smoke inhalation in the process. "Overall it could've been a lot worse."

 

Employees spotted smoke and flames shooting from the bottom of one bus, Detroit Fire Department Capt. Steve Varnas said Wednesday.

 

"It could have been 15 or more, but drivers, supervisors and other people moved buses out of there," Varnas said. "The last one to get out, he couldn't see where he was going. They were just trying to save their buses for the city."

 

Williams said she expected "no major delays" when service resumes today without the eight buses.

 

Investigators believe a mechanical issue with a bus parked inside a holding annex sparked the blaze, Detroit Fire Department Arson Unit Lt. Pat McNulty said from the scene. Each bus, most of which were new, is valued at $350,000, he added.

 

DDOT director says drivers saved several buses from garage fire | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

[qjtransitmaster]

DDOT director says drivers saved several buses from garage fire | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

 

with new buses there is no way they will let them get burned no surprise they drove em out.

[East New York]

From what I understand the ones that burned up were a few RTS's and a couple New Flyers. I was trying to find out if any were 2010 D40LF's.