Ohio School Bus Driver Saves 15 Students from Fiery Disaster
In a heart-stopping moment right out of a movie, an Ohio bus driver became the unsung hero of the day on February 27 when flames erupted from the back of the school bus he was driving, surrounded by 15 students on their way to Monticello Middle School in Cleveland Heights. It was a normal morning—until it wasn’t. According to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, the fire ignited near one of the rear wheels, sending black smoke spiraling into the air and prompting a quick-thinking response from the driver.
Superintendent Liz Kirby praised the driver’s swift actions, noting that he promptly evacuated the students, ensuring they got off the bus and to safety. “I can’t express how relieved I am that no one was hurt,” said Kirby, who also credited the efficiency of the annual evacuation drills that train drivers and students to handle emergency situations.
As luck would have it, the fire was extinguished quickly by the Cleveland Heights Fire Department, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. Ottawa resident Maureen Ottman, who witnessed the chaotic scene, remarked, “It was like nothing I have ever seen before, black smoke everywhere.” Sounds like a scene plucked from a school safety video gone rogue, right?
The Ohio State Highway Patrol had recently inspected Bus 21 and found it in good working order just two weeks prior, underscoring a commitment to transportation safety. Reports indicate that Ohio conducts daily and annual inspections on school buses, with extra rounds at schools every six months. Yet, even with all those checks, things can go sideways—like this fiery predicament.
In the aftermath, the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are collaboratively investigating the cause of the blaze. Meanwhile, to err on the side of caution, the school district has commissioned a re-inspection of their entire fleet. Meanwhile, at Monticello Middle School, staff sprang into action to support students who might have been rattled by the experience. It’s clear everyone involved—heroes, students, and school staff—deserves a round of applause. Here’s to unsung heroes like this bus driver who keep our kids safe even in the most terrifying moments!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Cleveland 19, Cleveland Heights Fire Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol
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