Grand River Transit bus fire caused by hydraulic line

A Grand River Transit bus caught on fire apparently because of a ruptured hydraulic line, according to the transit agency.

The bus caught firein Cambridge on Saturday around 7:00 p.m.

"Hydraulic fluid was continuing to be pumped out to feed some fans and the hydraulic fluid hit the engine compartment and ignited," said EricGillespie,Director of Transit Services with the Region of Waterloo.

Once the bus was pulled over and turned off, the hydraulic fluid was no longer being pumped into the engine compartment, so the operator was able to put out the fireusing a fire extinguisher, according to Gillespie.

However, online video shows firefighters eventually putting out the fire, though the bus driver appeared to have stopped it initially with the use of his fire extinguisher.

Under investigation

Gillespie said the GRT is still working with Volvo, the bus manufacturer, to complete a more detailed investigation.

Through the investigation, Gillespie said the GRT plans to identify whether the fault could happen to other buses in the future, and if so, how to prevent it.

If a preventative measure is found, the GRT will add it into its maintenance checks, which buses go through every two months.

He added bus operators do a pre-trip inspection of their bus every day, and every six months buses also go through an inspection required by the Ministry of Transportation.

Gillespie said it appears the bus can be repaired, but if needs to replaced, a new bus will cost around $400,000.