About 25 Passengers Evacuate Burning NJ Transit Bus

The bus hit a pothole, causing a tire to blow out and sparking a massive fire.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 5:05am

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A New Jersey Transit bus carrying around 25-30 passengers was engulfed in flames after hitting a pothole, forcing the passengers to evacuate the vehicle within moments. No injuries were reported, and the Newark Fire Department arrived quickly to extinguish the blaze. The incident caused traffic delays as vehicles behind the bus had nowhere to go on the expressway.

Why it matters

Bus fires are rare but can be extremely dangerous, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and passenger safety protocols. This incident also underscores the challenges faced by public transit systems in maintaining aging infrastructure and responding to unexpected emergencies.

The details

The bus was traveling from Newark to New York City when it hit a pothole, causing a tire to blow out and sparking a massive fire. Passengers quickly alerted the driver and evacuated the bus, with no reported injuries. The Newark Fire Department arrived within minutes to extinguish the blaze, which completely engulfed the transit vehicle.

  • The incident happened on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

New Jersey Transit

The state-run public transportation system that operates the bus involved in the incident.

Newark Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the bus fire and extinguished the blaze.

New Jersey State Police

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the cause of the bus fire.

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What’s next

The New Jersey State Police is continuing its investigation into the cause of the bus fire.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and emergency preparedness for public transit systems, as well as the need for robust infrastructure to ensure the safety of passengers and the public.