The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on March 4, 2025, when OmniRide coach number 3005, returning to Washington, D.C., after dropping off passengers in Spotsylvania County, experienced a flat tire. There were no passengers on board at the time.
According to OmniRide, the bus operator safely pulled over and contacted dispatch for further instructions. However, the flat tire wrapped around the axle and began to smoke, ultimately leading to a fire that spread throughout the vehicle. By the time fire services arrived, the coach was engulfed in flames.
No injuries were reported.
OmniRide confirmed that the vehicle had undergone its most recent state inspection in January 2025 and was in proper working order before the incident. “Our fleet is safe. We have reviewed the preventive maintenance records, including tire records, and the vehicle was in compliance,” OmniRide stated in a press release.
The organization’s contractor, Keolis, is conducting an internal investigation into the cause of the fire and is implementing corrective measures to prevent similar incidents.
