Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — A public transport truck on the Centro route caught fire on Saturday morning near the Cuale River bridge in Puerto Vallarta, causing alarm among passengers and local residents. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the sudden blaze.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident in front of the Juárez parking lot, prompting a swift response from Civil Protection and Firefighters, along with local police. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the flames, which had already engulfed the front of the Liner-type bus operated by UnibusPV, the city’s public transport concessionaire.
Paramedics assessed the few passengers who remained at the scene. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, as most passengers fled in panic when the fire broke out. The bus driver acted swiftly, stopping the vehicle and shouting for passengers to exit through the back door as flames rapidly spread through the unit.
Witnesses described chaotic moments as thick smoke billowed from the bus. “It all happened so fast. One minute we were riding, and the next, there was smoke and fire,” said a passenger who chose to remain anonymous. “The driver did the right thing by getting us out quickly.”
Authorities confirmed that the fire caused significant material damage but no casualties. Initial reports suggest the blaze started suddenly, leaving the driver with no time to intervene beyond evacuating passengers.
Local police cordoned off the area to protect bystanders and assist with traffic management as firefighters worked to fully extinguish the flames and ensure the scene was secure.
UnibusPV has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and whether mechanical failure or another factor may have contributed to the sudden combustion.
The incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness for public transport operators and raises concerns about the maintenance of public transport units. Authorities have urged passengers and operators alike to remain vigilant and report any signs of mechanical issues immediately.
As the investigation continues, residents and visitors in Puerto Vallarta are reminded to prioritize safety and cooperate with emergency services in similar situations.
