Bus Drivers Saves 6 Kids in School Bus Fire [Video]

While driving a school bus containing six children home from Chantilly Montessori Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina, bus driver Lindora Richardson smelled smoke. Richardson was able to get all of the children out of the bus shortly before it bust into flames.

School district spokeswoman Tahira Stalberte said:

“We are very proud of her and for her following proper procedures. It could have taken a very different turn had she not done her job correctly.”

CNN reports that Richardson said that she pulled the bus over when she smelled something burning. Smoke then started pouring from the dashboard and Richardson moved all the children toward the rear exit. The bus driver said that the students were calm and exited the bus one by one through the emergency exit.

McCaltchy reports that officials are not sure what caused the fire. Derek Graham, transportation chief for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, said that schools are required to do maintenance on their buses every 30 days. Graham said:

“It’s pretty rare that one burns to the degree of this one, but it’s not unheard of… School buses are still the safest way for kids to get to and from school. We’re thankful everybody did their job and got out of harm’s way.”

Here’s the video of the school bus fire.