Bus Carrying Dozens of Inmates Bursts Into Flames in New York

A New York State Department of Corrections transport bus carrying nearly 30 inmates erupted in flames Friday night in the Hudson Valley creating chaos and fights between inmates and officers.

The fire broke out around 8pm near Route 9D and Dogwood Lane in the Town of Fishkill, close to Interstate 84, after 911 callers reported the bus ablaze and altercations underway.

Cellphone video captured by Freddie Beltran shows the dramatic scene with flames engulfing the vehicle. Rockland Video also reported that fights broke out on board between inmates and corrections officers as the situation unfolded.

Police from Fishkill quickly responded and requested backup. Reinforcements arrived from New York State Police (Troop K, F, and Thruway units), as well as departments from East Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Beacon, and Wappingers. The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and MTA Police also joined the response.

Corrections officers from Downstate Correctional Facility assisted on site. Fire crews from Chelsea and Castle Point Fire Departments worked to extinguish the blaze while emergency medical teams including Mobile Life, Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Town of Newburgh Ambulance, and Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps treated the injured.

Two inmates were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries, while one reportedly suffered a serious head injury, according to Rockland Video. The remaining 25 inmates were relocated onto other transport buses and taken to Downstate Correctional Facility.

Authorities believe a mechanical issue sparked the fire.

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Bus Carrying Dozens of Inmates Bursts Into Flames in New York