Quebec took action to suspend the operation of 1,200 Lion school buses following an incident where an electric school bus caught fire in Montreal. The labor union representing the driver, Josée Dubé, expressed concern over the safety of the buses and the lack of explanation regarding the incidents.
During the Montreal fire, the driver noticed smoke coming from the heating system after turning it on. The driver safely evacuated the children on board before the bus was engulfed in flames. This incident occurred in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood at the intersection of Jean-Talon Street West and Victoria Avenue.
Another similar incident involving a Lion school bus occurred in Ascot Corner, Quebec, where the fire also originated from the heating system. Fortunately, no students were on board, and the driver escaped unharmed.
In a separate incident in Huntsville, Ontario, a Lion school bus caught fire earlier in January, leading to the evacuation of 70 students. Investigations revealed that in all three fires, the bus batteries were not the cause of the incidents.
Montreal firefighters confirmed that the recent fire was linked to the bus’s heating system. Lion, the Quebec-based manufacturer of the buses, has faced financial challenges but was recently sold to a group of Quebec investors.
Following these incidents, over 200 buses from the manufacturer were inspected, revealing issues with the defrosting system. As a temporary solution, the defrosters were disabled to ensure the buses’ safe operation while a permanent fix is being sought in collaboration with Transport Canada.
The union and parent groups are demanding thorough inspections of all Lion buses to prevent future incidents. Transport Canada has initiated an investigation into the matter to ensure public safety and address any potential concerns regarding the fleet’s operation.