MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Students escaped a burning school bus in Madera County after the Madera Unified transportation caught fire Thursday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officials say the bus driver noticed smoke coming from the back of the bus while driving near Avenue 23 1/2, south of Avenue 8, after being flagged down by farm workers. The driver quickly got the students off the bus before the vehicle became engulfed in flames.
According to the Madera Unified School District, the bus was carrying students from La Vina and Madera South High School.
District officials added that neither the students nor the driver was harmed, and all students were transported on another bus to their schools.
Our students’ safety and well-being are our top priority. We are deeply grateful to the good Samaritan who assisted, the driver who reacted quickly, and our first responders.
Madera Unified School District
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Madera Unified says it appears to be part of a mechanical malfunction…