In a dramatic incident that could have spelled disaster, a public transport bus with 30 passengers aboard became a towering inferno right in front of the Delta gas station in La Uruca, situated beneath the Juan Pablo II bridge. The event unfolded on a busy Tuesday afternoon, gripping bystanders with horror and disbelief.
The Incident Unfolds
It was around 4:36 p.m. when the emergency call blasted through the radios of the Costa Rican Fire Battalion. Under the command of Battalion Chief Alexander Quirós, fire units were promptly dispatched, arriving on scene by 4:42 p.m. to tackle the blazing vehicle. Quirós disclosed that the bus seemed to have caught fire due to a mechanical issue in the engine, which led to the vehicle being completely consumed by flames.
The Threat of a Bigger Disaster
The proximity of the inferno to the gas station added a layer of risk to an already perilous situation. High temperatures from the fire caused damage to the façade and signage of the gas station, though, fortunately, a catastrophe involving the station was averted through the timely and effective response of the firefighting team.
A Close Call
Channel 6’s Noticias Repretel reported that the bus was en route from Heredia to San José when passengers heard multiple explosions, a likely result of the bus’s predominantly fiberglass composition—a material known for its high flammability. Amidst rising smoke and spreading flames, the urgency to evacuate became palpable.
Martín Monge, a passenger on the ill-fated bus, recounted to Repretel the moments of panic and the rush to escape. “We saw smoke at the front, and the driver was attempting to douse it with an extinguisher. That’s when the fear really set in,” Monge explained. Adding to the terror, the rear door of the bus initially refused to open, heightening the passengers’ desperation.
Passenger Heroics
Monge also noted that the bus had been experiencing vibrations throughout the journey, which intensified after climbing a slope where the fire presumably started. He revealed that he had to persuade the driver to abandon the vehicle as the latter was worried about safeguarding the company’s money.
No Casualties Reported
In an incident that could easily have resulted in significant casualties, it is a relief to report that all passengers and the bus driver emerged unscathed. The quick thinking and actions of both the passengers and the emergency response teams contributed to a fortunate outcome where life and limb were preserved.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and emergency preparedness. It underscores the unpredictability of road travel and the critical need for immediate and effective action in crisis situations. Thanks to the collective calm and swift response, what could have been a tragic day in La Uruca ended with no physical injuries, though the psychological impact will likely resonate with those involved for some time.
