Calspan On-Site Motorcoach Fire Investigation; Vehicle: 2007 MCI Model D4505 Motorcoach; Location: State of Michigan

United States Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration2010PDFTech ReportCalspan Corporation. Crash Data Research CenterUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationCalspan Corporation. Crash Data Research CenterMichiganBusesFire causesVehicle firesFire fightingFire departments2007 MCI Model D4505Motorcoach firesFire originsCA09068DTNH22-07-C-00045This on-site investigation focused on the origin and severity of the fire that involved a 2007 Motor Coach Industries (MCI) motorcoach. The motorcoach was occupied by the 46-year-old male driver and 35 adult passengers while traveling at highway speeds on a divided roadway. Several of the passengers detected a significant jolt in the travel of the motorcoach and subsequently smelled the odor of smoke. They alerted the driver and he checked his outside mirrors and noted smoke emanating from the right rear axle area. The driver brought the vehicle to a controlled stop on the right shoulder of the roadway. The driver ordered the evacuation of the passengers through the right front door. There were no injuries associated with this event. The fire originated in the right tag axle area and spread through the undercarriage and into the passenger compartment. The driver called the emergency response system and requested police and fire assistance. The fire department arrived on-scene and suppressed the fire. The motorcoach was towed from the scene and transferred to a regional company-owned repair facility where it was inspected for this investigation.125