OC Transpo garage evacuated after smoke seen coming from inactive bus

The OC Transpo garage on St. Laurent Boulevard was briefly evacuated after smoke was seen coming out of an out-of-service bus. (Maddison De Varennes/CTV News Ottawa)

OC Transpo says its south end garage had to be evacuated after smoke was seen coming from a bus awaiting maintenance Sunday afternoon.

A statement sent to city councillors from general manager of transit services Renée Amilcar says smoke was observed from the out-of-service diesel bus inside the garage on St. Laurent Boulevard at approximately 12:25 p.m.

The incident prompted a heavy response from firefighters and emergency services.

“OC Transpo’s Special Constables safely evacuated staff and Ottawa Fire Services cleared the garage to resume operations shortly before 1:00 p.m.,” Amilcar said.

Two staff members were assessed at the scene by paramedics, Amilcar says. An Ottawa paramedics spokesperson said crews were on standby during the incident and no one was taken to hospital.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause.

Ottawa police closed Belfast Avenue at St. Laurent Boulevard as emergency services responded to the scene.

The roads have since reopened.