CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — A school bus transporting students to Monticello Middle School became engulfed in flames early Thursday morning, but thanks to the quick actions of the bus driver, all passengers were safely evacuated.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Cambridge and Northampton roads. The Cleveland Heights Fire Department shared images showing flames pouring from the windows of the bus.
“The bus driver acted quickly and got all of the students off the bus and to safety,” the department stated in a social media post. “There were no injuries, and the fire was quickly brought under control.”
According to Cleveland Heights-University Heights Superintendent Liz Kirby, 15 students were on board when the fire broke out behind one of the bus’s rear wheels. A second district bus driver in the area was able to pick up the students and take them to school.
Local resident Maureen Ottman, who lives near the intersection, described the alarming moment she saw the flames. “Heard a big boom. Looked out the window and I saw flames coming from the gas tank,” she said. She immediately called 911.
The fire is under investigation by the Cleveland Heights Fire Investigative Unit in collaboration with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Superintendent Kirby assured families that the bus had passed its state-mandated inspection on February 14 and that, as a precaution, the district has re-inspected all buses in its fleet.
“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 in a letter to families. “I also must credit the students for reacting so calmly and following the driver’s instructions to get to safety.”
School staff, including administrators, social workers, and counselors, provided support for students upon their arrival at Monticello Middle School. The district has pledged to keep families informed as the investigation continues.