Tourism has been struck a blow following the Easter Sunday bus fire with the Public Transportation Board (PTB) suggesting they may have to reduce charter and sightseeing services during the summer months.

PTB confirmed yesterday that replacement costs for the seven buses destroyed in the fire ? one of which was a 2004 model ? could run to $280,000 each, or nearly $2 million in total.

?The insurers have been informed and the PTB will try to absorb as much of the cost of damage through insurance coverage,? a spokeswoman said.

Transport Minister Ewart Brown was off the Island on Easter Sunday and was still overseas yesterday, the spokeswoman said.

However she added: ?The Minister ... was thoroughly briefed at the earliest moments of this incident, and is completely aware of the situation regarding the PTB buses.

?He has expressed that this was a very sad and unfortunate event. Upon his return to the Island, he will meet with all interested parties, including the Bermuda Police Service and Ministry officials to further assess the situation.?

The Bermuda Fire Service are appealing for all witnesses to the fire at the Somerset bus depot, particularly those with photos or video footage of the event taken prior to the arrival of the Fire Service on the scene, to contact Division Officer Melvin Outerbridge at 292-5555.

There was no connection between the fire at the bus depot at the fire which engulfed the Karibuni Ltd. building on Somerset Road on Saturday, D.O. Outerbridge said yesterday. The investigation into the Karibuni fire is not yet completed, however D.O. Outerbridge said it was safe to say it was not deliberately set and may be reported as accidental.

The Karibuni employee taken to the hospital after inhaling smoke in that fire was treated and released.