School bus caught on camera engulfed in flames after driver’s ‘quick response’ saves students from inferno

On Thursday morning, a heroic bus driver in Ohio saved the lives of more than a dozen middle school students when a fire broke out on the vehicle as they were heading to school. The incident occurred behind one of the rear wheels of the bus, prompting the driver to act quickly and evacuate all 15 students from Monticello Middle School. According to Liz Kirby, the superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, the driver’s swift and decisive actions ensured that no one was injured, and the students were safely removed from the burning bus. The Cleveland Heights Fire Department responded rapidly and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further.

The superintendent expressed immense relief and gratitude in a statement published on the school district’s website. “First and foremost, I can’t express how relieved I am that no one was hurt, and I am incredibly grateful for the quick response from the driver,” Kirby wrote. She also praised the students for their calm and orderly response during the emergency, emphasizing that their composure played a significant role in the successful evacuation. The bus driver, who has chosen to remain anonymous, credited the students’ preparedness to the annual evacuation drills conducted by the school district. These drills, the driver noted, had equipped the students with the knowledge of what to do in case of an emergency, such as a fire.

The Cleveland Heights Fire Department, along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, has joined forces with the school district to investigate the cause of the fire. Although the bus, numbered 21, had passed its mandatory annual state inspection on February 14, 2025, just a few days before the incident, the district’s mechanical teams conducted an additional inspection of all buses in the fleet as a precautionary measure. This proactive approach underscores the district’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its students and staff. Meanwhile, the students who were on the bus were picked up by another driver and taken to school, where they were met by a team of administrators, social workers, counselors, and teachers who provided support and reassurance.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in everyday situations, even in a setting as routine as a school bus ride. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are approximately 380 reportable school bus fires each year. While this number is relatively low considering the millions of students who ride buses daily, it highlights the importance of preparedness and the need for regular safety drills. The quick thinking of the bus driver and the calm reaction of the students were instrumental in preventing what could have been a tragic outcome. The superintendent also expressed her gratitude for the “thoughtful action from the adults who care for them,” acknowledging the dedicated efforts of all staff members involved in ensuring the students’ safety.

The school district and the Cleveland Heights Fire Department have not yet responded to additional requests for comment from Fox News Digital, but the incident has already drawn attention to the importance of vigilance and preparedness in school safety. The fact that no one was injured and that the fire was brought under control so quickly is a testament to the effectiveness of the safety measures in place and the training that both the drivers and the students receive.

In conclusion, this harrowing incident has left the community breathing a sigh of relief while also highlighting the critical role that preparedness and quick action play in ensuring the safety of students. The heroic actions of the bus driver, the calm response of the students, and the swift intervention of the fire department all combined to avert a potential disaster. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the school district has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety for its students. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the incredible dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect our children.