Bus Carrying Indiana University Basketball Team Engulfed in Flames on Highway
Kent, Indiana – A harrowing incident unfolded on Saturday evening in Kent, Indiana, as a bus carrying the Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indy) men’s basketball team caught fire on the highway, shortly after their return from a road game against Northern Kentucky.
According to IU Indy Athletics, a mechanical issue ignited the blaze, prompting the immediate evacuation of the entire team and staff. A post from the official IU Indy Athletics X account confirmed that everyone had escaped the burning bus safely.
Dramatic Aftermath
Photos provided to Fox News Digital by IU Indy Athletics vividly capture the aftermath of the fire, depicting the charred wreckage of the bus, engulfed in flames and obscuring the highway with thick black smoke. The incident resulted in significant traffic disruption on the roadway.
Unfortunate End to a Disappointing Game
The Jaguars, who had suffered a setback in their match against Northern Kentucky with a score of 67-71, were returning home when the fire erupted. The team’s overall record currently stands at 9-20, with a conference record of 5-13. Their recent form has been challenging, with four losses in their last five games.
Remaining Regular Season and Tournament
Despite the setback, IU Indy has two regular season games remaining, both scheduled to be played on home court in Indianapolis. They will face Robert Morris on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and conclude their home schedule against Wright State on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.
The Horizon League Tournament, in which the Jaguars compete, is set to commence on March 4th.
Safety Concerns and Investigation
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of team transportation and the need for regular maintenance checks on vehicles. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire and will provide further updates as they become available.
Commentary
This harrowing event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the need for immediate evacuation in the event of an emergency. Fortunately, the quick actions of the team and staff prevented any injuries.
The unfortunate fire has cast a shadow over the Jaguars’ season, but their resilience and determination will be tested in the remaining games and the upcoming tournament.
