Dec. 07--Delays could affect bus service in Detroit today after fire destroyed at least a half-dozen buses at a DDOT garage on Detroit's northwest side this morning.
Investigators believe a mechanical issue with a bus parked inside a Detroit Department of Transportation holding annex sparked the 4:30 a.m. blaze on Schaefer near Schoolcraft, Detroit Fire Department Arson Unit Lt. Pat McNulty said from the scene. Each bus, most which were new, is valued at $350,000, he added.
The blaze was out and fire crews were packing up by 8 a.m.
"The information we have points more toward a mechanical issue," McNulty said. "One employee noticed smoke and alerted the other ones.
According to witnesses, the fire appeared to have started underneath one bus and appeared to have spread. And that basically caused the rest of the buses to catch fire and that caused the roof to collapse."
Problems with water service were hindering efforts to put out the blaze, Detroit Fire Department Senior Chief Michael Herron said. The sprinkler system inside the building did not work properly, and there are few fire hydrants on or near the facility, he said. McNulty said investigators will be reviewing workers' claims that the sprinkler system did not go on until the fire began to rage through the building.
A driver that showed up at the scene said employees are reporting to work but are unable to get their buses out of the depot at 6:30 a.m., as smoke and an orange glow rose above the blaze.
A recording on the DDOT customer service line says there may be delays in bus service today.
