Take Steps Now to Prevent Another Tragic Bus Fire

This article presents an analysis of safety factors on motorcoaches in the wake of the fire that killed 23 people during the evacuation from Hurricane Katrina. The author outlines general areas of concern regarding the fire, which happened near Dallas, Texas, on September 23, 2005. He reports on findings from claims personnel noting that 90 percent of fires begin at the rear of the coach, and that additional safety steps should be considered. The first is evacuation procedures, which have been altered little to reflect changes in coach design over the past half century. The victims in Texas were not able-bodied, suggesting changes in how exit windows are operated might be helpful. In addition, automated fire suppression systems could be considered, along with rules restricting the amount of oxygen on-board. In this particular incident, oxygen was a likely factor, given that the bus was carrying nursing home residents. Finally, tire inspections and maintenance are important, with extra attention paid to rear tires since they are near where most fires start.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32522860
• Authors:
  • Burkert, Jack
• Publication Date: 2005-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 50-53
• Serial:
  • Metro
  • Volume: 101
  • Issue Number: 10
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 1098-0083
  • Serial URL: http://www.metro-magazine.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buses; Fire prevention; Safety
• Subject Areas: Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01015002
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 7 2005 6:24PM