CHICAGO—A federal agency has issued an emergency bulletin to motorcoach companies about weight limits on tires following investigations into a Megabus fire in northeast Georgia, a deadly Megabus accident in Illinois and other crashes involving tire blowouts.

The Chicago Tribune reported Thursday that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says fully loaded double-decker buses "may overload tires outside the suggested weight limit."

A Megabus caught fire Aug. 8 after a tire blew out on I-85 near Lavonia.

In a more serious accident, one passenger died in the Megabus crash Aug. 2 near Litchfield in southern Illinois. State Police say a blown tire likely caused the bus to lurch out of control and hit a bridge pillar.

Authorities say the buses in both cases were heavily loaded and running on very hot days. That can cause stress on tires.

About the Author

Featured

University of Georgia students are seen entering and leaving the main Library on the Athens campus on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez