A school bus transporting 15 students to Monticello Middle School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, went up in flames on a regular school day. The fire originated behind one of the rear wheels but, thanks to the swift action of the bus driver, all students were safely evacuated.
The bus driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, attributed their preparedness to the annual bus evacuation drills. These drills proved crucial in ensuring the calm and quick evacuation of all on board. The Cleveland Heights Fire Department efficiently managed to bring the fire under control, preventing any injuries.
"There were no injuries and the fire was quickly brought under control" – The Cleveland Heights Fire Department
The incident took place despite the bus passing its mandatory state inspection just a week prior, on February 14. Following this event, the school district took additional precautions by re-inspecting all buses in their fleet. Both the fire department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are actively investigating what caused the blaze.
"I also must credit the students for reacting so calmly and following the driver’s instructions to get to safety" – Liz Kirby, superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District
Thick black smoke enveloped the bus as it was ultimately consumed by the fire. In response, the school district has offered support services to students, involving administrators, social workers, counselors, and teachers. This measure comes "out of an abundance of caution," according to the district.
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