INDIANAPOLIS — Videos from people around the city began to take over social media after an IndyGo Red Line bus caught fire Wednesday morning.
According to IndyGo, one of their Red Line buses caught fire next to the station at Meridian and 38th streets. All passengers on board were safely evacuated thanks to the quick actions of the bus driver, according to IndyGo.
According to the Indianapolis Fire Department, two passengers were transported to local hospitals for evaluation for possibly slight injuries.
Eyewitnesses at the scene suggest a passenger started the fire, according to IndyGo. IFD Arson investigations were on scene.
The joint investigation between the ATF, IFD, IMPD and IndyGo will now be led by the ATF and any additional updates or information will come from the ATF.
Investigators confirm that there was no malfunction with the bus or it's electrical systems with regard to the fire.
IMPD police records show a 45-year-old man, identified as Demarcus McCloud was arrested for his involvement.
McCloud has been charged with three counts of Arson (Level 3 Felony + two Level 4 Felonies).
IndyGo encouraged riders to use the MyStop app to plan their trips around the 5 hour detour. The station has since re-opened.
IndyGo released the following statement regarding the arrest:
IndyGo is pleased to learn a person has been detained in connection with a bus fire that happened this morning along the Red Line at 38th and Meridian streets. A joint investigation including IndyGo, the Indianapolis Fire Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is underway.
“The safety of our riders and teammates is always our top priority,” said IndyGo Interim President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. “We’d like to take this opportunity to applaud our coach operator who did everything right and followed ‘See Something, Say Something’ operator training. As a result, he quickly jumped to action, ensuring riders got off the bus quickly and with no major injuries, likely saving lives today.”
The Red Line station at 38th and Meridian streets suffered minor surface damage. Cleanup is complete, and the station has reopened. The previous detour has been canceled, and the Red Line has returned to its normal route. This incident and the loss of the bus should not directly impact Red Line operations. Regarding the repairs and/or replacement of the bus, it is fully insured, and IndyGo is working with its insurance company on next steps.
