CHICAGO (STMW) – Officials investigated a report of a suspicious package aboard a CTA bus that was also leaking fuel Monday afternoon in the Loop.

The Level 1 hazardous materials response was called at 12:37 a.m. for a fuel spill at South State and Monroe streets, according to Fire Media Affairs.

But police say there was also a report of a suspicious package aboard the CTA bus.

CTA spokeswoman Lambrini Lukidis said the involved bus was a No. 146 bus heading south. It was on State Street and Monroe when the fuel spill was noticed, which was found to be “negligible” — or so small it did not require further response, Lukidis said.

At about the same time, someone noticed a powdery substance on the bus that turned out to be corn starch, she said. All passengers aboard that bus were transferred to another bus, and other buses were temporarily rerouted around the investigation site.

The scene was secured by 1:45 p.m. and no injuries were reported, according to Fire Media Affairs.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)