A school bus carrying 15 students caught fire Thursday morning (February 27) in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, prompting a swift evacuation by the driver. The fire broke out around 7:45 a.m. near the intersection of Cambridge and Northampton roads as the bus was en route to Monticello Middle School.
Cleveland Heights Police Chief Chris Britton confirmed that all students were safely evacuated, thanks to the quick actions of the bus driver. The driver, who requested to remain anonymous, credited annual bus evacuation drills for preparing both themselves and the students for such emergencies.
Superintendent Liz Kirby expressed relief that no injuries occurred and praised the driver’s quick response. “I can’t express how relieved I am that no one was hurt,” Kirby said, adding that school staff, including counselors and social workers, were ready to support students upon their arrival at school.
The Cleveland Heights Fire Department shared photos from the scene, showing flames and smoke engulfing the bus, but the fire was quickly brought under control.
The cause of the fire, which originated behind one of the bus’s rear wheels, is currently under investigation. Although the bus had passed its annual state inspection just two weeks prior, the district ordered its entire fleet to be re-inspected as a precautionary measure.
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