Megabus Catches Fire; No Injuries Reported

By Casey Vaughn

Hartwell, GA (WHNS) — A Megabus headed from Atlanta to Charlotte caught fire Wednesday afternoon, shutting down Interstate 85 northbound in Hart County, GA.

Passengers told FOX Carolina that a tire blew and as the bus was trying to stop, something overheated and caught fire in the rear of the bus.

The bus stopped near mile marker 179 just south of the South Carolina line around noon.

There were about 50 passengers on board, including about 15 children. The driver and a few passengers helped everyone evacuate as the bus caught fire, passengers said.

It took firefighters a number of hours to battle the fire because of the ruptured diesel tank.

Officials said because the tank ruptured, there was no threat of explosion.

No injuries were reported.

FOX Carolina tried to speak with the bus driver who was not allowed to say anything.

Passengers were taken on a school bus to a nearby restaurant to await for another Megabus to take them on to Charlotte.

The economy chain recently made news when one of its buses was involved in a deadly accident.

*Click here for additional coverage on the accident.

(CNN)