Bus Fire in Mexico City’s Historic Center Results in No Casualties

Web Editor

August 17, 2025

a bus that is on fire on the street with a lot of smoke coming out of it's back, Elbridge Ayer Burba

Overview and Key Details

On a recent day, a bus caught fire in the heart of Mexico City’s Historic Center. According to authorities, all passengers managed to exit the vehicle before the fire spread, resulting in a “saldo blanco,” or no casualties.

The Incident

The incident occurred when a bus, operated by the RTP (Rutas de Oriente) transit system, caught fire near the Benito Juárez statue in Mexico City’s Historic Center. The transit system is one of the most important in the capital, serving over 1.2 million passengers daily.

The fire started due to an electrical short circuit, which quickly engulfed the bus in flames. However, thanks to the prompt actions of both passengers and bystanders, everyone managed to escape safely.

The RTP Transit System

The RTP (Rutas de Oriente) is a crucial public transportation provider in Mexico City, operating over 150 routes and serving more than 1.2 million passengers each day. Established in 1973, RTP has become an integral part of the city’s transportation infrastructure.

With a fleet of over 1,500 vehicles, including buses and metro trains, RTP plays a significant role in connecting various districts of Mexico City. The transit system’s reliability and extensive network make it a vital resource for both locals and tourists.

Impact on the Community

This incident highlights the importance of public transportation safety and the need for regular maintenance and inspections to prevent such accidents. The quick response of passengers and bystanders in the Historic Center ensured that no lives were lost, demonstrating the value of public awareness and vigilance.

The Mexico City government and RTP authorities will likely conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the electrical short circuit and implement preventive measures to avoid future incidents.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What happened? A bus operated by RTP caught fire in Mexico City’s Historic Center due to an electrical short circuit.
  • Were there any casualties? No, all passengers managed to exit the bus safely before the fire spread.
  • Who operates the affected bus route? The bus was part of the RTP (Rutas de Oriente) transit system.
  • Why is RTP important? RTP is a crucial public transportation provider in Mexico City, serving over 1.2 million passengers daily and connecting various districts through its extensive network.
  • What will likely happen next? Authorities will investigate the cause of the electrical short circuit and implement preventive measures to avoid future incidents.