West Kelowna

Photo: Trevor Rockliffe - Castanet

The wheel went bouncing down the road and eventually found its way into a ditch.

That's the scene described by witnesses after a BC Transit bus lost two left side rear wheels late Monday morning.

The incident occurred on Boucherie Road just before Highway 97.

While the outer wheel came completely off, the inside wheel was left hanging.

Sources also indicate lug nuts on the rear right wheel were loose.

The bus had just finished having a mid-life overhaul.

Maribeth Burton, the media spokesperson for BC Transit, says the bus was being repaired by a third party body shop.

"BC Transit was told on Friday that the bus was good to go. The bus sat over the weekend, but both maintenance and our operator did check it this morning and felt the bus was ready."

The bus was being driven into service to start picking up passengers on its route, when one wheel fell off and the other became loose.

Burton says an investigation is being launched. 

"A fleet inspector is on the way to Kelowna, and a safety inspector will be there tomorrow."

The third party mechanic is taking responsibility for the incident, although Burton says BC Transit will still be launching its own investigation, because of safety reasons.

BC Transit says the operator was the only person on board, and no injuries were reported. 

If you witnessed the bus lose its wheels contact Castanet at news@castanet.net