Latest news with #ClevelandHeightsFireDepartment
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
School bus caught on camera engulfed in flames after driver's ‘quick response' saves students from inferno
A heroic Ohio bus driver is credited with saving more than a dozen middle school students after a fire broke out in the vehicle on their way to school. The fire started Thursday morning behind one of the rear wheels of the bus, prompting the driver to "quickly evacuate" all 15 Monticello Middle School students, according to Liz Kirby, Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District superintendent. There were no injuries, and the fire was swiftly brought under control by the Cleveland Heights Fire Department. Judge Dismisses Ma Parents' Lawsuit Over School Gender Policy, Scolds District: 'Disconcerting' "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 wrote in a statement addressing the incident on the school district's website. Christian Teacher Fired Over Trans Policy Celebrates Trump Order Targeting Gender Ideology In Schools Read On The Fox News App The driver, who asked to remain anonymous, credited annual bus evacuation drills with preparing the students for what to do 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 said. The school district is investigating the cause of the fire in partnership with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. "Although bus 21 passed its annual mandated state inspection that just took place on Feb. 14, 2025, our mechanic[al] teams have re-inspected all buses in our fleet today out of an abundance of caution," Kirby said. Another driver who was in the area picked up the students and got them to school, according to the school district. Administrators, social workers, counselors, teachers and additional staff at the middle school offered support at school when students arrived, according to the statement. "I am truly thankful for the safety of our students and the thoughtful action from the adults who care for them," Kirby said. There are 380 reportable school bus fires each year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The school district and fire department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for article source: School bus caught on camera engulfed in flames after driver's 'quick response' saves students from inferno
NBC News
28-02-2025
- General
- NBC News
Cleveland-area school bus with 15 students bursts into flames during morning route
A Cleveland-area school bus transporting 15 students became engulfed in flames during its morning route Thursday, officials said. The Cleveland Heights Fire Department said no injuries were reported, giving credit to the bus driver for acting quickly and evacuating all students to safety. The bus was on its way to Monticello Middle School and had already picked up 15 students before the flames erupted, school officials said, adding that the fire broke out from behind one of the rear wheels. Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District Superintendent Liz Kirby commended the driver for evacuating the bus quickly. The driver asked the school to remain anonymous. "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 said. Kirby said that she spoke to the driver, who credited the annual bus evacuation drills that drivers conduct with students for preparing them to act swiftly. "I also must credit the students for reacting so calmly and following the driver's instructions to get to safety," Kirby added. After the students were rushed from the bus, a different district vehicle took the children to school. Kirby said that "administrators, social workers, counselors, teachers, and additional staff at Monticello jumped into action to ensure supports were in place at school for students upon arrival." The Cleveland Heights Fire Department said the fire was 'quickly brought under control.' No details about the cause of the fire have been released. Kirby said the school district is investigating in partnership with the fire department and the State Highway Patrol and would share information with parents and staff members when it becomes available. The district's statement said the bus passed its annual mandated state inspection on Feb. 14. Kirby added that, out an abundance of caution, the district's mechanic teams re-inspected all the buses in the fleet Thursday. The fire broke out when the bus was on the corner of Cambridge and Northampton roads in the Cleveland area, filling the suburban street with a dark cloud of smoke. Photos released by the fire department show the smoke billowing from the bus, with red flames bursting from the windows.
