School Bus Driver Saves 29 Students from Bus Fire
A Tennessee bus driver notices a fire on the bus while at an intersection, pulls over, and safely gets all students off the bus before it bursts into flames.
ALCOA, Tenn. — A school bus driver here was able to safely evacuate the 29 students aboard his bus as it caught fire on Monday.
Two students aboard the bus at the time told WBIR that they heard a loud “pop” noise as the bus was driving. A fire department spokesperson told the news source that the bus driver noticed the fire at an intersection. He then pulled over, got all the students off the bus, and soon after, the bus burst into flames, according to WBIR. Alcoa City Schools Director Brian Bell told the news source that the bus driver handled the situation well.
The bus, which is owned by Rocky Top Tours, was last checked by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in July 2016 and passed in all categories, according to WBIR. WATE reports that the Alcoa Fire Department said the fire started in the engine, but Bell told the news source that focus may have shifted to the back brakes.
Watch video from WATE (courtesy John Daining) of the fire below.
More Safety

From Reactive to Proactive: Making Every Ride Visible
Smart technology only delivers its full value when it works together. See how Catalyst connects proven industry platforms to move student transportation from reactive to proactive.
Read More →
HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud Warns Motorists of Stopped School Buses
Through a transponder or Samsara connection, the product lets school bus fleets send advance warnings to approaching drivers through in-vehicle alerts.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Reports Progress on Safety Advisory Council
More than a year after forming the council, independent safety experts have helped shape new rider-safety features and policy progress, with a new goal to address rider behavior.
Read More →
What the 2026 National School Bus Safety Month Resolution Means for Student Transportation
The bipartisan resolution highlights illegal school bus passing, student safety during loading and unloading, and the need for driver training and public education.
Read More →
School Bus Stop-Arm Violations Decline 53% Across Verra Mobility Programs
Verra Mobility shares how school bus stop-arm cameras and school zone safety programs are changing driver behavior, reducing violations, and protecting students.
Read More →
Most Bus Crashes Aren’t Your Fault. Here’s How to Prove It.
A guide for what to do in between a school bus crash and a claim: what to preserve, who to notify, and how to keep the facts available when they matter.
Read More →
National School Bus Safety Week 2026: Tips, Toolkits & Resources to Keep Students Safe
School bus safety takes more than awareness. Explore expert tips, enforcement strategies, and free resources to help protect students on every ride.
Read More →
2 Killed, Dozens Injured in Florida School Bus Crash
A multi-vehicle collision caused a Polk County school bus carrying 37 students to overturn on its way to Winter Haven High School.
Read More →
Illegal School Bus Passing Drops 24% in New York Districts
With fewer than 5% of citations involving repeat offenders, Westchester County officials said enforcement, education, and community partnerships are helping change driver behavior.
Read More →
School's Back. Here's What Happened to Traffic, Speeding & Distraction
What happens to traffic when school resumes? New data analysis examines changes in distracted driving, congestion, and speeding around schools.
Read More →

