A distressing incident unfolded as the bus transporting the IU Indianapolis men’s basketball team became engulfed in flames while traveling along Interstate 275 on Sunday evening. The Jaguars had just concluded a game at Northern Kentucky and were on their way back home when the unexpected disaster occurred.
Social media quickly lit up with a video capturing the harrowing scene, showing thick smoke billowing from the bus while emergency crews scrambled to douse the flames. Startling images shared by @WISHNews8 depicted the aftermath of the blaze – a charred bus shell, with seats burnt to a crisp and no windows or roof remaining.
In a swift response to the crisis, everyone aboard the bus, including players and staff, managed to evacuate safely without any reported injuries, as confirmed by an official statement released by the IU Indianapolis athletic department. Despite the fortunate outcome, belongings such as wallets, phones, and team gear were lost in the fire, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Athletic director Luke Bosso expressed the chaotic nature of the incident, describing it as a frightening experience for all involved. The cause of the fire was attributed to a “mechanical issue,” according to the official statement, although further details were not immediately available.
Following the ordeal, the IU Indianapolis basketball team eventually made it back home late Sunday night, thanks to a replacement bus dispatched by the charter bus company. However, the unfortunate turn of events continued for the Jaguars, as they suffered a defeat against Northern Kentucky, further dampening their season record.
With two home games remaining in the regular season, the IU Indianapolis men’s basketball team faces a challenging road ahead as they strive to overcome the setbacks and focus on their upcoming matches against Robert Morris and Wright State.
