WOODSTOCK, N.H. — A tour bus fire on Interstate 93 prompted evacuations and a highway closure Friday evening.
According to New Hampshire State Police, the incident occurred just before 6:30 p.m. near mile marker 99 on I-93 North in Woodstock. Troopers responding to reports of an active fire found the rear of the bus fully engulfed in flames as passengers, including children and adults, evacuated.
Officials said the bus was carrying approximately 60 junior high students and adult staff members from Massachusetts when smoke began coming from the engine compartment just south of Exit 32. The driver pulled over, allowing all occupants to exit safely before the fire intensified.
One adult was transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
Fire crews from multiple towns, including Lincoln and Woodstock, worked to extinguish the blaze. The bus was ultimately destroyed.
Traffic was diverted at Exit 31, and all northbound lanes of I-93 were closed for about 90 minutes while emergency crews contained the fire and conducted an on-scene investigation. Students were taken to a nearby business in Lincoln to wait safely with school staff.
Authorities stated no criminal activity is suspected. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The closure created delays for evening commuters and travelers heading north through the White Mountains.
