A coach-style bus caught fire on Interstate 80 on Tuesday night but fire crews were able to control hot spots generated by a faulty exhaust part.
The driver of the bus first noticed a problem with the bus when smoke started to fill the cabin around 9:20 p.m. near mile marker 14 on westbound I-80, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. The only occupants in the bus were the driver and a single passenger, police said.
Once the bus was pulled to the shoulder of the road, the driver noticed the smoke originated from the engine compartment near the exhaust system, UHP said.
Units from the Wendover Volunteer Fire Department were the first to arrive on scene, but the West Wendover Fire Department was also called to deal with the smoking bus, according to police.
Firefighters noticed the insulation in the roof was also smoldering and used ladders to access the roof of the bus to put out hot spots, UHP said.
An investigation found the source of the fire was an aftermarket exhaust piece that had overheated while the bus was in use, according to police.
Westbound I-80 traffic was temporarily reduced to one lane around the scene until the fire was put out.