Check Out: Fire Suppression Systems: Saving Lives & Reducing Damage
New Hampshire Bus Depot Explosion Injures Two
The explosion and fire at Student Transportation of America's school bus facility in Bradford may have occurred during maintenance on a propane-powered vehicle.

Two workers in this Student Transportation of America facility in New Hampshire were hurt after an explosion and fire.
Photo: New Hampshire Department of Safety
Two workers were flown to Boston hospitals after they were badly hurt during an explosion and fire at Student Transportation of America's facility in Bradford, New Hampshire.
According to the state fire marshal's office, the incident happened about 10:35 a.m. on Thursday as workers performed maintenance on a propane-powered school bus.
"When the first crews arrived, they witnessed heavy fire and smoke pouribng from the building before locating two people trapped inside," Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey stated in a news release. "Crews worked to free the individuals, who suffered significant burns."
Bradford Fire/Rescue Department sought help from other fire departments in the region to battle the 5-alarm blaze, Toomey said. Firefighters were challenged initially by a lack of a nearby water supply and staffing due to the size of the fire.
In a statement to School Bus Fleet, STA spokesperson Jen Holzapfel confirmed the fire occurred and that the conmpany is fully cooperating with local fire and police investigators.
"We were saddened to learn that two employees were inside at the time of the incident," Holzapfel said. "Our thoughts are with these employees and their families. We wish them a swift and full recovery."
She expressed gratitude on behalf of STA for emergency crews and first responders.
"We plan to assess the damage to the warehouse and buses as soon as possible and will work closely with the district should there be any impact to student transportation services in the coming weeks," she said.
More Safety

NHTSA Releases 10-Year Review of Fatal School Bus Crashes
The latest federal analysis reinforces the safety of school buses while identifying where school-age pedestrians and other motorists remain most at risk.
Read More →
2026 NASDPTS Survey: Data Shows Further Reduction of Illegal Passing
New data is in! School bus stop-arm passings are down to 38.4 million violations per year, about a 2.3% decrease from last school year — but passings on the right side of the bus are higher than ever.
Read More →
Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York
A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.
Read More →
NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners
Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
