EL PASO, Texas — Surveillance footage of a tragic explosion that occurred at a Sun Metro facility in February 2025 has been released, revealing the dramatic moments leading up to the disaster that claimed two lives. The video captures various angles of the incident, showcasing the maintenance area where the explosion originated.
In the footage, a bus is seen being lifted onto a hydraulic lift before it suddenly tilts and crashes to the ground. Moments later, flames erupt, engulfing the maintenance building. The powerful explosion shattered windows and caused significant damage to the structure.
Following the explosion, the City of El Paso acknowledged the loss and extended its condolences. City spokesperson Laura Cruz-Acosta released a statement emphasizing the organization’s sensitivity toward the affected families and employees, urging the media to treat the information with care as the community continues to grapple with this tragedy.
In the aftermath, unearthing the circumstances surrounding the explosion required transparency and accountability. ABC-7 pursued a public records request to obtain the surveillance video, initially thwarted by the potential for ongoing litigation and investigations. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton indicated earlier that the city could withhold the footage. However, once the investigation concluded, a renewed request in August led to the eventual receipt of the video after several months of inquiry.
An investigation conducted by the El Paso Fire Marshal’s Office revealed that the explosion was caused by a compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder that was punctured when a bus fell from a hydraulic lift. This incident occurred while employees were working on a Brio Bus, and the sudden malfunction led to catastrophic results as the vehicle fell and exploded shortly afterward.
The two individuals who perished in the incident were working on the bus at the time, and the aftermath of the explosion left a lasting impact on the facility and the surrounding community. The released footage serves not only as a sobering reminder of the incident but also highlights the importance of safety protocols surrounding maintenance operations involving heavy machinery.
As investigations continue and families seek closure, the city is committed to ensuring that such unfortunate events do not happen again. The support for the victims’ families remains a priority as the community begins to heal from the tragedy.