A bus carrying elderly evacuees away from Hurricane Rita caught fire and exploded in Wilmer, Texas, according to local authorities. Rescuers tried to get people off the bus but were unable to do so before it exploded. At least 24 people were reported killed in the incident and officials say the death toll could rise.
'Deputies were unable to get everyone off the bus,' Dallas County Sheriff's Department spokesman Don Peritz said.
There were approximately 45 people on the bus which had left from a nursing home in Bellaire, Texas, a suburb of Houston.
Initial investigations reveal that a mechanical problem may have been the cause of the fire although a complete investigation will be conducted shortly. The break system may have been the cause of the blaze according to officials at the scene.
Approximately 20 emergency vehicles surrounded the burnt out bus. The fire and explosions caused further delays in an evacuation already plagued by traffic problems and delays.
Peritz said that the driver of the bus survived the incident and tried to save as many people as he could. 'It's my understanding he went back on the bus several times to try to evacuate people,' he said.
Peritz also added that the wreckage was being moved to a remote location to minimize delays and help those evacuating the area in the wake of Hurricane Rita to be able to safety in time.
