An electric school bus caught fire this morning under an overpass in Lake View Terrace, prompting a response from the Los Angeles Fire Department. According to NBC Los Angeles, the incident took place beneath a section of the 210 Freeway near Hansen Dam, and no children were on board at the time of the fire. The LAFD reported that the bus driver was taken to the hospital for minor smoke inhalation.
The LAFD Alert confirmed that their crews were actively working to contain the fully engaged EV school bus fire, though the cause remains undetermined, as of now. The hazardous materials team stayed on site to monitor air quality and water runoff due to the bus being powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are known to pose significant risks when damaged or overheated.
The fire led to traffic disruptions, with nearby freeway ramps closing for cleanup and monitoring efforts. As per LAFD's follow-up alert, command staff reported that the main body of the fire had been extinguished, but overhaul procedures were expected to continue for several hours to ensure safety and thoroughness. The California Highway Patrol eventually closed the westbound 210 freeway at Osborne Street, and the Los Angeles Police Department shut down Foothill Boulevard in both directions at the 210 freeway underpass.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of lithium-ion batteries in transportation. Lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, have previously caused hazardous situations, including a September 2024 incident where a cargo container carrying these batteries exploded on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. That event also required hours of firefighting efforts and led to a significant perimeter being established for safety, according to NBC Los Angeles.
