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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A charter bus loaded with Mayo Clinic employees caught fire today near the Rochester Airport.

Rochester Fire Department Battalion Chief Kris Jungels says local authorities were alerted to the situation just before noon by the Rochester Airport Maintenance Supervisor, who was returning to the airport when he spotted smoke coming out from the rear wheel well area of the bus as it was headed south Highway 63 about a mile north of the airport exit.

The airport employee used his two-way radio to request a response from the Rochester Fire Department, which found the driver of the bus had a safely evacuated all of the passengers by the time firefighters arrived at the scene. The airport also dispatched one of its trash fire trucks to assist in extinguishing the blaze.

There were no injuries, but the bus is being described as a total loss with a value of about $300,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Officials say the bus was transporting the Mayo Clinic workers to Albert Lea when the fire broke out.

 

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