Transport Canada has initiated a full defect investigation into a specific Lion-manufactured school bus model following a series of fire incidents. The probe was triggered by a recent fire in Montreal, where no injuries were reported. The investigation began nine months after the first bus fire involving the LionC model.
The fire in Montreal prompted Quebec to suspend the service of 1,200 Lion school buses across the province for precautionary inspections. Subsequently, Lion buses in various provinces underwent inspection procedures.
Transport Canada stated that the defect investigation is ongoing and involves vehicle inspections, interactions with the manufacturer, and data analysis. The department acknowledged being aware of three prior incidents involving the LionC model but did not launch a formal investigation until now.
Katherine Korakakis, president of the English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec, criticized the delay in launching the investigation, emphasizing the importance of timely action to prevent potential harm.
The defects investigation notice advises fleet operators to conduct immediate inspections on LionC buses and provides guidelines for bus drivers in case of smoke or burning smells. Andrew Jones, a school bus operator, highlighted the need for early communication about safety issues from manufacturers.
Transport Canada stressed the significance of manufacturers promptly reporting safety defects and emphasized the need for urgency in addressing such incidents. The department highlighted commonalities among the fire incidents, particularly related to the heating and ventilation systems of the buses, leading to the formal defect investigation.
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the manufacturers’ responsibility to report safety defects promptly and assured that all incidents are taken seriously. The minister expects manufacturers to prioritize safety and act swiftly in addressing any defects.
Overall, stakeholders underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to high safety standards in the transportation sector to ensure the well-being of passengers and prevent potential risks.
