As school bus burned, driver's heroic actions helped save Colorado kids, authorities say

A fire department in Colorado is praising a school bus driver for swiftly evacuating more than a dozen children from the vehicle after it caught fire Wednesday.

The fire broke out as the Aurora School District employee drove 14 children home after school about 4 p.m., first responders said, and no injuries were reported.

According to Aurora Fire Rescue, which responded to the emergency call, the bus caught fire in the municipality located less than 10 miles east of downtown Denver.

"The outcome of this incident could have been tragic, but the quick and effective actions of the bus driver and firefighters were truly heroic," officials wrote.

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When firefighters arrived, the agency posted on Facebook, the bus was "fully engulfed in flames."

Crews soon learned the bus driver and all 14 children on the bus had safely evacuated.

No one was hurt, the agency reported.

"Upon noticing the fire emerging through the dashboard as he turned the bus, the bus driver immediately pulled over and assisted in evacuating the children," officials said. "His prompt and courageous actions were crucial in ensuring everyone's safety."

The city's fire investigators determined the fire started "in the engine compartment" and reported they determined the blaze to be accidental in nature.

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Bus driver who saved 14 students in Colorado praised for swift action

Officials with the Aurora School District, as well as members of the community, are also hailing the driver a hero.

"We are extremely grateful that no one was injured," the district released in a statement to USA TODAY Thursday. "While taking students home after school, the bus driver noticed a small fire in the engine compartment and immediately stopped the bus and evacuated everyone on board. We then called emergency responders who put the fire out. Another APS bus picked up the students and took them to their stops."

The district did not identify the employee or say how long they worked for its schools.

"We want to give our utmost thanks to our bus driver for his awareness and quick action. His response kept everyone safe. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority."

On the fire department's social media post, dozens of Facebook users also thanked the driver for his efforts.

"This bus driver deserves the biggest gold medal possible!" one person wrote.

Another user wrote, "Not all heroes wear capes; some sit behind the wheel of a school bus."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.