A massive fire erupted Tuesday morning at a major transportation center near El Paso International Airport, injuring five people and sending a towering column of black smoke into the sky.
The blaze broke out at the Sun Metro Bicentennial Transit Operations Center, a crucial hub for the city’s public transportation system. The flames quickly spread, causing parts of the building to collapse.
“It was chaos. We saw fire shooting out of the roof, and the smoke was so thick you could barely see,” said Daniel Ramirez, a local resident who witnessed the fire from a nearby gas station.
Firefighters Struggle to Contain Inferno
More than 100 firefighters rushed to the scene, battling the intense flames for hours. Deputy Fire Chief Robert Arvizu described the situation as dire.
“This was an aggressive, fast-moving fire. The heat was extreme, and our crews had to work quickly to prevent further spread,” Arvizu said.
Authorities have not determined what sparked the fire, but investigations are underway. The flames were finally under control by midafternoon, though smoldering debris remained a concern.
Airport Operations Unaffected, But Questions Remain
Despite the fire’s proximity to El Paso International Airport, flights were not disrupted. City spokesperson Laura Cruz Acosta reassured travelers.
“We’ve been monitoring the situation closely, and airport operations remain normal. There is no immediate threat to passengers or flights.”
The Sun Metro facility, which services El Paso’s bus fleet, plays a critical role in daily transportation for thousands of residents. Officials have not yet disclosed the extent of the damage or when services will resume.
Local authorities are urging residents to avoid the area as cleanup and investigations continue.
Discover more from Next Gen News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.