Retirement home bus catches fire; no injuries

A Merrill Gardens retirement community bus from Seattle caught fire at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 3 while traveling down SR 520 westbound near Bellevue Way Northeast.

The bus was being used for a private event, a Merrill Gardens spokesperson said, and carried 15 to 20 passengers headed back to Northgate in Seattle from Bellevue.

The driver of the bus was initially unaware of the fire, but once aware responded by pulling the vehicle over. The driver was able to help all passengers out of the vehicle.

State Troopers arrived on the scene shortly after and cleared the HOV lane. According to Washington State Patrol, no injuries were reported.