Monday, July 1, 2013

Toby Keith’s Tour Bus Catches Fire

A tour bus carrying band members of country singer Toby Keith caught fire early today on I-65 just south of Lebanon, according to the Indianapolis Star, and forced closure of the interstate’s southbound lanes for several hours between Lebanon and Whitestown.

The country music star was not on board the burning bus, said Jason Lee, Lebanon Fire Department chief.

The report of the fire first came at 4:45 a.m. Everyone from inside the bus got out safely, authorities said.

Keith played Sunday in suburban Chicago. Driver Randy James, Hendersonville, Tenn., was taking crew members to Nashville, Tenn., when he looked in the driver’s side mirror and noticed flames shooting out the rear of the bus, he told officials. Moments later, the bus lost all power, and James coasted to the side of the road.

When firefighters arrived at 4:51 a.m., Lee said, they found heavy fire coming from the rear engine compartment and rear cabin/living area.

The bus was part of a convoy that included several other buses being used by Keith.

Estimated damage is at least $250,000, Lee said, and expected to increase once fire investigators determine the value of the personal property and equipment the bus was carrying. Although the bus was badly burnt, he said, some of the band members’ items were salvaged.

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