It was a terrifying commute for some TTC riders on Wednesday.
Police believe arson is to blame for a fire that destroyed a bus and shook up early-morning passengers.
The blaze broke out on board the vehicle around 2:45am near Yonge and Bloor streets, shutting down Yonge Street from Bloor to Cumberland as firefighters battled the flames.
But it wasn’t a mechanical issue. Instead, officials allege that it was a passenger that sparked the fire, provoked by an incident that happened outside.
Police allege that the suspect (pictured below) was waiting at a bus stop. He asked a woman for a cigarette and when she refused, he punched her in the face.
He then boarded the bus, where several witnesses and the victim confronted him.
He then allegedly moved to the back of the bus, emptied his knapsack on the seats, covered it in some sort of flammable liquid, and lit it.
By 3am, the fire was out – and the suspect had fled. Police believe he hailed a Beck taxi and are looking to speak with the driver.
Incredibly, no one was seriously injured.
The woman who had been punched was treated at the scene and did not need to go the hospital.
As for the bus, the $700,000 hybrid is likely a write-off.
“Obviously safety is one of our biggest concerns,” acknowledged TTC chair Adam Giambrone.
“But I’m reassured when we work with Toronto Police that they are able to make sure that our system is safe. Hopefully they’ll be able to prosecute the people that are responsible.”
Police are looking at several surveillance videos taken from the scene.
If you saw anything, call police 416-808-5304 or Crime Stoppers 416-222-TIPS (8477).
