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Bus carrying UMass Lowell students catches fire in Westwood

By Boston 25 News Staff
Westwood Bus Fire Westwood firefighters rush to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon. Photo credit: Westwood Fire Department.
By Boston 25 News Staff

WESTWOOD, Mass. — Westwood firefighters rushed to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon.

The fire took place on High Street near Grove Street, in Westwood.

The bus was carrying UMass Lowell students on the way to a band practice in Norwood, according to fire officials.

The students smelled smoke which caused the driver of the bus to pull over. Everyone was able to get off the bus safely, according to the Westwood Fire Department.

Westwood Bus Fire Westwood firefighters rush to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon. Photo credit: Westwood Fire Department.

One student on the bus was evaluated for smoke inhalation, but declined transport, officials say.

Photos provided to Boston 25 News show flames coming from the back of the bus.

Westwood Bus Fire Westwood firefighters rush to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon. Photo credit: Westwood Fire Department.

Officials tell Boston 25 News that there was roughly $100,000 worth of musical instruments in the front three compartments of the bus, all of which was able to be safely removed and is undamaged.

Another bus was called to pick up the students.

Westwood Bus Fire Westwood firefighters rush to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon. Photo credit: Westwood Fire Department.

Firefighters were able to put out the flames. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

UMass Lowell issued the following statement:

Today members of the UMass Lowell Marching Band safely evacuated a bus traveling to a band show in Norwood due to a fire. About 40 students — mostly members of the band’s percussion section — were aboard the bus and exited without injury.

A second bus with students and a truck carrying band equipment safely arrived at the venue without incident. The band performed in the show, reflecting the wishes of the students, to an enthusiastic crowd at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Associations (MICCA) competition at Norwood High School.

UMass Lowell is grateful to members of the Westwood fire and police departments who responded to the incident and ensured the safety and wellbeing of our students. The university is also grateful for the quick thinking of a senior band member who reported a noxious smell and the sight of smoke and flames, and who prompted the evacuation of the bus.

Boston 25 News has also reached out to both the bus company for comment.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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