WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Four toll collectors were recognized for their heroism after they rescued 24 children from a school bus fire on July 14.

The children were safely removed from the bus after the toll collectors noticed smoke billowing from beneath the vehicle and alerted the driver. They boarded the vehicle and helped the driver unbuckle the children from seat belts and lead them to safety. They also put out the fire with extinguishers.

The children, who were described as being about 5 years old, were placed on another bus and continued on their way without further incident. They were en route to the Six Flags New England amusement park in Springfield, Mass.