CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — In a tense situation unfolding in a Cleveland suburb, a school bus driver successfully evacuated 15 students after discovering a fire on their way to school. This quick-thinking action took place just moments before the entire bus was engulfed in flames within a residential area. The event ended without any injuries to the children or the driver.
The fire, which occurred Thursday morning in Cleveland Heights, was swiftly contained by fire crews, ensuring no further damage or danger. Initial reports from the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district suggest the fire originated behind a rear wheel, yet a comprehensive investigation into the exact cause is still ongoing.
As the bus made its journey to Monticello Middle School, the driver became aware of the fire and promptly instructed all students to evacuate the vehicle. Locals in the area recalled hearing a “big boom” in the moments before the fire erupted, which sent thick clouds of black smoke around the bus.
The driver, who has chosen to remain unnamed, executed the evacuation smoothly, with another district bus nearby stepping in to transport the students to their school safely.
Interestingly, the school bus had undergone its routine state inspection just two weeks prior, having passed the checks without issues. Despite this, the school district has decided to re-examine all its buses as a precautionary step.
In a public statement shared on the district’s website, Superintendent Liz Kirby expressed her profound gratitude for the driver’s immediate and effective response to such a dangerous situation. She attributed the successful evacuation to the regular bus evacuation drills conducted by school drivers, which train both students and staff for scenarios like this. Kirby reaffirmed the district’s commitment to student safety as a top priority.
