Rochester, MN – A vehicle fire involving a First Student school bus caused a major traffic disruption on Highway 52 this afternoon. The bus, which was on its route to pick up students at the end of the school day, ignited shortly after 2 p.m. at the 19th Street Northwest interchange.
Immediate response and safety measures
According to a statement from the Rochester School District, the bus driver and an Education Support Professional were safely evacuated from the vehicle without injury. No students were on board at the time of the fire, preventing any potential harm to children.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) quickly responded, closing the two right‑hand lanes of northbound Highway 52 to make room for emergency crews. Traffic was reduced to a single lane, and motorists were advised to expect delays while traveling north on the highway.
Impact on commuters
MnDOT estimated that the lane closures would remain in effect until approximately 4 p.m., giving drivers roughly two hours of reduced capacity and slower travel times. Motorists were encouraged to seek alternate routes, such as nearby County Road 30 or the I‑90 corridor, to avoid the bottleneck.
Local residents expressed frustration at the inconvenience but praised the swift action of first responders. “We were stuck for a while, but I’m glad no one was hurt,” said one commuter who was heading home from work.
Investigation underway
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Neither the Minnesota State Patrol nor the Rochester Police Department released details about the origin of the blaze. Officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that a thorough review will be conducted to determine whether mechanical failure, electrical issues, or another factor triggered the incident.
School district officials reiterated their commitment to student safety. “Our priority is always the well‑being of our students and staff,” the district statement read. “We will cooperate fully with investigators to understand what happened and to prevent future occurrences.”
What drivers should know
Motorists traveling north on Highway 52 should monitor MnDOT traffic alerts for real‑time updates. The department recommends allowing extra travel time, using navigation apps that provide live traffic data, and staying alert for any further lane adjustments.
For parents and school staff, the district confirmed that bus routes will resume normal operation once the investigation is complete and the vehicle is cleared for service. No additional bus disruptions have been reported for the remainder of the school day.
Looking ahead
While the fire caused temporary inconvenience, the coordinated response by MnDOT, emergency services, and the school district highlights the community’s ability to manage unexpected incidents efficiently. Residents are reminded that maintaining safe roadways and reliable school transportation is a shared responsibility, rooted in the values of family safety and individual liberty that our community upholds.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
