The heroic Ohio bus driver is believed to have saved more than 12 middle schoolers after a fire broke out in a vehicle on his way to school.
The fire began Thursday morning behind one of the rear wheels of the bus, urging drivers to “evacuate quickly” all 15 Monticello middle schoolers, according to Liz Kirby, principal of the Cleveland Heights University Heights School District.
The bus driver saved 15 students after a fire broke out on an Ohio bus on Thursday morning. (Cleveland Heights Fire Station)
There were no injuries and the fire was quickly taken under control by the Cleveland Heights Fire Department.
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“First and foremost, 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,” Kirby wrote in a statement on the district's website dealing with the incident.
The bus driver saved 15 students after a fire broke out on an Ohio bus on Thursday morning. (Cleveland Heights Fire Station)
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The driver, who asked to remain anonymous, praised the annual bus evacuation drill by preparing students what to do in the event of a fire.
The bus driver saved 15 students after a bus fire broke out in Ohio on Thursday. (Cleveland Heights Fire Station)
“I also have to praise the students for being very calm and responding to them and for following the driver's instructions for reaching safely,” Kirby said.
The district is investigating the cause of the fire in partnership with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The bus driver saved 15 students after a fire broke out on an Ohio bus on Thursday. (Cleveland Heights Fire Station)
“Bus 21 passed the annual mandatory state inspection just held on February 14th, 2025, but our mechanics[al] The team revisited all the buses in today's fleet from a wealth of caution,” Kirby said.
Another driver from the area picked up the student and took him to school, according to the district.
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Administrators, social workers, counselors, teachers and additional staff from the middle school provided assistance at the school when students arrived, according to the statement.
“We really appreciate the safety of our students and the thoughtful actions that come from adults who care about them,” Kirby said.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are 380 reportable school bus fires each year.
The school district and fire department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
