Bus carrying dozens of Merced County passengers catches fire in San Benito County

A bus carrying dozens of passengers from Merced County, including students, caught fire in San Benito County, according to authorities.

California Highway Patrol officers responded just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, to the area of eastbound Highway 156 just east of U.S. 101, after receiving a report of passengers jumping out of a bus that was on fire, according to CHP Officer Alfredo Uribe.

Authorities said the incident was initially reported by a passing motorist followed soon after by the driver of the bus.

Uribe said there were a total of 56 passengers from Merced County, including high school-age students who were on board the bus that was headed to Atwater. According to a Merced Union High School District employee, the bus is believed to have been traveling to Buhach Colony High School. The CHP said the fire made its way throughout the interior of the bus and all occupants were able to escape without injury.

Authorities said the driver was able to maneuver the bus to the south shoulder of the roadway and eastbound traffic was blocked as officers and firefighters responded to the scene. Uribe said fire crews worked to extinguish the fire and roughly one hour after the initial report was made, one lane of traffic was opened to allow motorists to pass and ease congestion.

According to the CHP, at about 6:45 p.m., Caltrans deemed the roadway safe and opened the eastbound lanes of traffic. According to Uribe, an area high school stepped in to assist those who were aboard the bus.

“We were able to contact a local high school and they were able to utilize their buses to transport the students,” Uribe said.

The stretch of highway is heavily traveled especially by those commuting to the Monterey and Salinas areas, according to Uribe. The CHP advises motorists to reduce distractions and maintain focus while driving.

Authorities said the cause of the fire is unknown and the incident remains under investigation.

Editor’s note: This story was updated to correct the name of the high school.