Fourteen Aurora school children and a bus driver were safely evacuated after a school bus caught fire Wednesday afternoon, according to Aurora Fire Rescue officials.
Fire crews responded to a school bus “heavily engulfed in flames” around 4 p.m. near East 11th Avenue and North Picadilly Road, the agency said in a news release.
Firefighters confirmed all children were safely evacuated and unharmed before connecting to fire hydrants to extinguish the fire.
In a statement, fire officials praised the quick actions of the bus driver and firefighters.
“Upon noticing the fire emerging through the dashboard as he turned the bus, he immediately pulled over and assisted in evacuating the children. His prompt and courageous actions were crucial in ensuring everyone’s safety,” Aurora Fire Rescue said in a statement Wednesday night.
Fire investigators found the fire was accidental and started in the engine compartment.
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