On June 12th, at approximately 3:30 PM, Columbia Fire & Rescue received a call regarding a burning school bus located at the intersection of Nashville Highway and Old Highway 31. The bus was transporting eleven children at the time of the incident. Fortunately, the bus driver and their assistant acted swiftly, ensuring that all eleven children were evacuated and accounted for prior to the arrival of emergency services.
Thanks to the quick thinking of the assistant, who utilized the onboard fire extinguisher, the flames were successfully extinguished, preventing further damage to the vehicle. The situation, which could have been quite alarming, was handled remarkably well by the bus staff, who ensured the safety of the young passengers.
In addition to the efforts of the Maury County Board of Education employees, two residents from the nearby City Limits Apartments stepped in to provide assistance. These two women played a crucial role in helping the bus driver maintain the children’s safety and comfort, contributing to a sense of calm during a potentially distressing experience. Their actions, alongside those of the bus staff, exemplified community spirit and quick response in a time of crisis.