Hero Bus Driver Saves Students as School Bus Goes Up in Flames!

An Ohio school bus driver is being hailed as a hero after their quick thinking saved more than a dozen middle school students from a fiery situation. The incident occurred Thursday morning when a fire erupted near a rear wheel of the bus as it was en route to school. According to Liz Kirby, superintendent of Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, the driver immediately evacuated all 15 Monticello Middle School students. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the Cleveland Heights Fire Department swiftly extinguished the blaze. "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 stated on the school district's website. The anonymous driver credited annual bus evacuation drills for preparing the students on how to react in case of a fire. "I also must credit the students for reacting so calmly and following the driver’s instructions to get to safety," Kirby added. Seriously, kudos to those kids for keeping their cool – I probably would've been screaming my head off! The school district, in collaboration with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, is currently investigating the cause of the fire. Despite the bus passing its annual state inspection just weeks prior on February 14, 2025, the district has re-inspected all buses as a precaution. Another driver transported the students to school, where administrators, social workers, counselors, teachers, and additional staff offered support. "I am truly thankful for the safety of our students and the thoughtful action from the adults who care for them," Kirby expressed. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are approximately 380 reportable school bus fires each year. Talk about a wake-up call! Makes you wonder what kind of shape some of these buses are really in.