Transport Canada has confirmed to launching an investigation into the circumstances that led to an electric school bus catching fire in Huntsville in early January.
Flavio Nienow with Transport Canada says the investigation was launched shortly after the incident on Jan. 13., under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA).
Transport Canada confirmed that another electric school bus with the same company reportedly experienced a similar incident. “Transport Canada is aware of two recent fires involving Lion Electric school buses, both of which resulted in no injuries, and launched an investigation shortly after each incident,” Nienow told CTV.
CTV has reached out to Lion Electric for a statement.
According to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, under the MVSA, establishes safety regulations for the manufacture and importation of motor vehicles. They also designate motor vehicle equipment to reduce the risk of death, injury, and damage to property and the environment.
On the morning of the incident, just before 9 a.m., an electric school bus went up in flames on Earls Road in Huntsville.
Officials confirmed that all students were evacuated from the bus and taken to their school by secondary buses.
Firefighters reported that none of the homes along Earls Road suffered any damage. Hydro One attended the scene as a precautionary after the bus was said to be in close proximity to hydro wires.
Field teams with Transport Canada say they are working to gather more information and understand the circumstances of this incident.
Transport Canada says they continue to encourage vehicle owners or anyone who believes they have experienced a safety-related condition with their vehicle, including a fire event, to report it, as quickly as possible, to the Defect Complaint Analysis Section by phone, at 1-800-333-0510.
With files from CTV’s Cheryl Browne.
