Eight Injured in Tillamook Tour Bus Fire - PHOTOS

Police say the fire appears to be accidental.

Photos courtesy: Oregon State Police

(TILLAMOOK, Ore.) - Police say eight people were transported to hospitals in Tillamook and Portland for injuries sustained in a Sunday afternoon fire on a Raz Transportation tour bus on Highway 101 north of Tillamook.

Lieutenant Gregg Hastings with Oregon State Police, says a 71-year old female from Wisconsin was taken by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland for burn and smoke inhalation injuries.

It was reported by some agencies Sunday that the woman had received injuries from a fall while exiting the bus.

Hastings says Highway 101 was closed about one hour for emergency and medical response.

According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Greg Plummer, the problems began just before 4:00 p.m. Sunday September 12, 2010.

OSP was requested to assist Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Tillamook Fire and Police departments, and Tillamook Ambulance at the scene of a reported bus fire on Highway 101 near milepost 64.

The Raz Transportation tour bus with 33 passengers was southbound on Highway 101 when its driver noted smoke and flames coming from the front dash area, Plummer said.

"The bus driver pulled onto the shoulder and stopped. Upon opening the bus door the fire quickly began to spread inside the bus."

He says eight people were transported for injuries, most of which were considered minor.

"All but were one person was taken to Tillamook General Hospital. The bus occupants fled through an available emergency exit. The bus driver was reported not to have been injured."

The name of the seriously injured woman may be released by Monday.

The bus received heavy fire damage. Plummer says they had left the Cannon Beach area and were enroute to Cape Mears for a brief stop before continuing to Portland.

There is no evidence to indicate this is related to any crime and the fire appears to be accidental, Plummer added.