The Ohio bus driver was welcomed by the hero for calmly running 15 middle schoolers from a burning school bus that had been flapping up in minutes on Thursday morning, officials said.
Inferno started behind one of the rear tires and flew off to students on their way to Montella Middle School before the bus was completely engulfed in flames. The firefighter said.
The heroic bus driver didn't even want to recognize it.
“I can't express how reassuring I am that no one has been hurt, and I am extremely grateful for the prompt response from the driver,” Principal Liz Kirby said. Message to the school community.
“I spoke with the driver today and they praised the annual bus evacuation drill for the driver preparing students.
“(The driver has asked not to be identified, and we respect that request.) I also have to praise the students for being very calm and reacting to the driver's instructions and for reaching safely.”
A photo provided by the Cleveland Height Fire Department shows flames fired through a bus window and illuminated by the trees above the car in the fire. A huge plume of smoke filled the sky in the aftermath.
Firefighters quickly put out the fire, and students were greeted by another district vehicle and taken to school.
The cause of Inferno was not immediately known. Bus passed annual state inspections in early February.
Other school buses were reconsidered after the fire “from a wealth of attention,” Kirby said.
“Again, I am truly grateful for the safety of our students and the thoughtful actions that come from adults who care about them,” the principal said.
