A school bus in Ohio caught fire on Thursday morning, but thanks to the quick actions of the driver, all 15 students on board were evacuated safely before the flames engulfed the vehicle. The incident occurred while the students from Monticello Middle School Bus were on their way to school, turning what could have been a tragedy into a heroic act of bravery.

Driver’s Quick Thinking Saves Lives

According to Liz Kirby, the superintendent of Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School Bus District, the fire began behind one of the rear wheels of the bus. The driver, who has chosen to remain anonymous, immediately took action by stopping the bus and guiding all students off safely.

“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 bus driver credited the students’ calm reaction to the annual bus evacuation drills conducted by the School Bus, which ensured that everyone knew how to respond in case of an emergency.

Fire Quickly Contained

The Cleveland Heights Fire Department swiftly responded to the scene and managed to put out the flames before they could spread further. There were no reported injuries among the students or school staff.

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire in collaboration with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

“Although bus 21 passed its annual mandated state inspection on February 14, 2025, our mechanical teams have re-inspected all buses in our fleet today out of an abundance of caution,” Kirby added.

Student Safety Remains a Priority

Following the fire, another school bus was dispatched to pick up the students and transport them to school. Upon arrival, the students were met with support from administrators, social workers, counselors, and teachers who ensured that they felt safe and reassured after the traumatic incident.

“I am truly thankful for the safety of our students and the thoughtful action from the adults who care for them,” Kirby said.

Parents were immediately notified about the incident, and the school district reassured them that student safety remains a top priority.

How Common Are School Bus Fires?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 380 school bus fires occur in the United States each year. While most incidents do not result in severe injuries, the risk of potential harm makes it crucial for schools to conduct regular bus safety drills.

Experts say that routine maintenance checks and emergency preparedness drills can significantly reduce the dangers associated with bus fires. In this case, the school’s proactive safety measures played a critical role in keeping students safe.

Investigation Underway

Officials are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire. While the bus had recently passed a state-mandated inspection, further checks are being conducted to ensure there are no underlying mechanical issues that could pose a risk to other vehicles in the fleet.

The Cleveland Heights Fire Department and Ohio State Highway Patrol are expected to release their findings in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, school officials are reviewing their bus safety protocols to see if any additional measures should be implemented.

Community Praises the Heroic Bus Driver

Many parents and local residents have taken to social media to praise the bus driver’s actions.

“This driver is a real-life hero! Thank you for keeping our kids safe,” one parent commented on the school district’s Facebook page.

Another user wrote, “So glad everyone is safe! The school should honor this driver for their bravery.”

As the investigation continues, one thing remains certain: the driver’s quick response and the students’ preparedness prevented a potentially devastating tragedy. Thanks to their efforts, what could have been a disaster became a story of courage and resilience.