A bus carrying the IU Indianapolis men’s basketball team caught fire along Interstate 275 on Sunday evening as the Jaguars were returning home from a game against Northern Kentucky. "The fire quickly spread, engulfing the entire bus," said Ed Holdaway, the associate athletic director, to Yahoo Sports. A video circulating on social media displayed a towering plume of smoke as emergency crews responded, temporarily shutting down traffic to manage the situation.
Photos captured by Holdaway showcased the charred remains of the bus, which had burned through its seats, leaving it with no windows or roof. Remarkably, all the team members evacuated without injuries, according to statements from the athletic department released on Sunday night. Most players and staff managed to escape only with what was on them, leading to significant loss of personal belongings, including cell phones, wallets, and sports gear.
“It was scary and chaotic,” athletic director Luke Bosso noted, emphasizing the most important takeaway: “Most important, everyone is OK.” The incident stemmed from what was described as a mechanical issue with the bus, but specific details were not disclosed. “That’s all we have right now,” Bosso added when pressed for more information.
The team was rapidly picked up by another school bus after the fire, and they were taken to a local restaurant where they waited until the charter bus company could send another vehicle to retrieve them. They finally returned home safely late Sunday night, albeit with considerable disruption due to the fire.
The IU Indianapolis Jaguars faced another setback earlier on Sunday as they lost the game against Northern Kentucky, 71-67. This loss brought their season record to 9-20 with only two home games left. They are scheduled to face Robert Morris and Wright State within the week, adding pressure to finish the season strong.
Adding to the goodwill surrounding the incident, the bus driver who came to their aid after the fire received gracious recognition from the team. The local bus driver, Amber Pickett, was alerted by the scanner call about the fire and rushed to assist the team, saying, “To think of these people outside on the side of the road…I thought, 'Oh, Lord, it’s not safe for them.'” Upon seeing the remnants of the bus, Pickett expressed, “I think God was with them,” reflecting on how quickly they evacuated.
To show gratitude for her help, the athletic director reached out to Pickett and invited her to be their guest for the upcoming game on Saturday. This gesture exemplifies the community’s support and the spirit of camaraderie during such challenging times.
The incident has touched many involved, and it stands as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of quick action. With the season nearing its end and the players carrying the emotional weight of the incident, the Jaguars are set on their next games, hoping to finish out the season with determination and resilience.