Check Out: Safety, Savings, and Insights: Innovations in Internal Camera Monitoring Systems
Report: New Hampshire Bus Explosion Appears Accidental
The blast that badly wounded two employees at the Student Transportation of America facility in Bradford was caused by a propane vapor cloud escaping from a bus, according to the fire marshal.
by SBF Staff
September 2, 2022
The employees hurt in the explosion and fire are now recovering at home, according to investigators.
Photo: New Hampshire Department of Safety
1 min to read
Propane vapor "ignited by an undetermined ignition source" caused the explosion and fire in March that left two Student Transportation of America workers badly hurt, according to an update from the New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety.
The propane came from one of the propane-powered school buses that was being worked on that day, investigators said. However, it's not clear what caused it to explode.
"There were several mechanical and electrical ignition sources discovered inside the facility that could have caused the explosion, but the exact one could not be identified," read the statement from Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Bradford Fire Chief Bryan Nowell, and Bradford Police Chief Edward Shaughnessy. "At this time, there is no indication that this was criminal in nature and the cause appears to be accidental."
The employees injured in the blast have since been released from the hospital and are recovering at home, according to the statement.
More Safety
Sponsored•November 1, 2026
From Reactive to Proactive: Making Every Ride Visible
Smart technology only delivers its full value when it works together. See how Catalyst connects proven industry platforms to move student transportation from reactive to proactive.
Read More →
HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud Warns Motorists of Stopped School Buses
Through a transponder or Samsara connection, the product lets school bus fleets send advance warnings to approaching drivers through in-vehicle alerts.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Reports Progress on Safety Advisory Council
More than a year after forming the council, independent safety experts have helped shape new rider-safety features and policy progress, with a new goal to address rider behavior.
Read More →
What the 2026 National School Bus Safety Month Resolution Means for Student Transportation
The bipartisan resolution highlights illegal school bus passing, student safety during loading and unloading, and the need for driver training and public education.
Read More →
School Bus Stop-Arm Violations Decline 53% Across Verra Mobility Programs
Verra Mobility shares how school bus stop-arm cameras and school zone safety programs are changing driver behavior, reducing violations, and protecting students.
Read More →
Most Bus Crashes Aren’t Your Fault. Here’s How to Prove It.
A guide for what to do in between a school bus crash and a claim: what to preserve, who to notify, and how to keep the facts available when they matter.
Read More →
National School Bus Safety Week 2026: Tips, Toolkits & Resources to Keep Students Safe
School bus safety takes more than awareness. Explore expert tips, enforcement strategies, and free resources to help protect students on every ride.
Read More →
2 Killed, Dozens Injured in Florida School Bus Crash
A multi-vehicle collision caused a Polk County school bus carrying 37 students to overturn on its way to Winter Haven High School.
Read More →
Illegal School Bus Passing Drops 24% in New York Districts
With fewer than 5% of citations involving repeat offenders, Westchester County officials said enforcement, education, and community partnerships are helping change driver behavior.
Read More →
School's Back. Here's What Happened to Traffic, Speeding & Distraction
What happens to traffic when school resumes? New data analysis examines changes in distracted driving, congestion, and speeding around schools.
Read More →