A 9-year-old special needs student, an aide, a nurse, and a bus driver were aboard the bus that caught fire during an afternoon drop off in Houston, Texas.
According to KPRC, on January 29, the driver of a Houston Independent School District school bus smelled something as he was transporting a student confined to a wheelchair home from school.
School Bus Driver Saves Passengers Before Bus Bursts Into Flames
Thankfully, the quick-thinking bus driver was able to bring the bus to a complete stop and get everyone off of it safely before it burst into flames. Around the same time, a Houston police officer happened to drive by the group and called in for back up.
Shortly after the bus caught fire, as KPRC reports, another Houston Independent School District school bus was able to pick up the student, aid, and nurse while the driver and investigators remained on the scene.
According to a preliminary report, it is believed that the fire was the result of a mechanical issue. Video obtained ABC 13 shows the massive flames that billowed out of the bus shortly after the bus came to a stop.
“An HISD school bus traveling on S. Post Oak Rd caught fire this afternoon. One student and three adults were on board and safely exited the bus,” a statement released by HISD read. “No injuries were reported. Another bus was immediately dispatched to pick up the student and staff members. The Houston Fire Department responded to the scene and HISD transportation safety personnel are investigating the cause of the fire. We continually strive to deliver safe, professional and reliable transportation for our students as their safety and well-being are always our top priority.”