A bus transporting the IU Indianapolis men's basketball team caught fire along Interstate 275, forcing players and staff to evacuate as flames consumed the vehicle. The incident occurred as the Jaguars were returning from a game against Northern Kentucky, officials said.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire charter bus, according to Ed Holdaway, IU Indianapolis associate athletic director. Video footage posted to social media captured a massive plume of smoke rising from the scene, with fire crews working to extinguish the blaze and halting traffic along the highway. Photos provided by Holdaway revealed the extent of the damage: a charred bus frame with burned-out seats, no windows, and a missing roof.
All members of the IU Indianapolis traveling party escaped unharmed, the university's athletic department confirmed in a statement.
However, most players and staff were unable to retrieve their belongings, fleeing the bus with only the items they carried.
"There was considerable loss of personal items," Holdaway told Yahoo Sports, including cell phones, wallets, and team gear.
Athletic Director Luke Bosso called the ordeal "scary and chaotic" in an interview with Yahoo Sports. But he emphasized relief that no one was injured. "Most importantly everyone is OK," Bosso said.
Basketball Marches On
The athletic department attributed the fire to a "mechanical issue" but offered no further details. When pressed for specifics, Bosso said, "That's all we have right now."
After the evacuation, a school bus retrieved the team from the roadside and transported them to a nearby restaurant, where they waited several hours. A replacement charter bus eventually arrived, allowing the Jaguars to complete their journey home late Sunday night.
The incident capped a difficult day for the IU Indianapolis basketball squad, which had earlier fallen 71-67 to Northern Kentucky, dropping its season record to 9-20. The Jaguars now face a short turnaround as they prepare for their final two regular-season home games. They host Robert Morris on Thursday, followed by Wright State on Saturday, aiming to regroup after a harrowing and disheartening road trip.
Authorities have not released additional information about the fire's cause, and the investigation remains ongoing.
