Electric LAUSD School Bus Catches Fire in Sunland, Driver Injured

Electric School Bus Fire Reported in Sunland

An electric school bus used by the Los Angeles Unified School District caught fire on Foothill Boulevard in Sunland on Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the incident occurred at 9:20 a.m. on Foothill Boulevard, just below the 210 Freeway overpass. Authorities confirmed that no children were on board the bus at the time of the fire.

Driver Transported for Smoke Inhalation

Officials stated that the driver of the bus was transported to a local hospital for minor smoke inhalation injuries. No additional injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Aerial views of the scene showed a large plume of smoke rising from below the freeway underpass. The smoke prompted the closure of the Osbourne Street offramp, according to Caltrans.

Firefighting Response and Scene Management

Fire crews responded to the location on Foothill Boulevard and were present at the scene as the bus burned. The Los Angeles Fire Department later reported that the bulk of the fire was knocked down by 10:55 a.m.

Authorities indicated that overhaul procedures at the scene were expected to continue for an additional three to four hours following the main knockdown of the fire. The area under and around the 210 Freeway overpass remained an active work zone for firefighters during this period.

District Reviews Safety Procedures

Following the incident, the Los Angeles Unified School District issued a statement addressing bus safety procedures. The district stated that all transportation staff are reviewing dashboard warning indicators and emergency protocols to ensure rapid and consistent responses.

The district also reminded drivers that, in any emergency, they are to pull over to a safe location, evacuate students and staff to a secure area, and notify dispatch and first responders without delay.