Student, Driver Escape School Bus Before It Catches Fire
Eleven-year-old Rocco Arcese of New Jersey tells the driver that the bus smells like burning rubber, and they evacuate. The front of the bus becomes engulfed in flames moments later.
MAHWAH, N.J. — Police said that a student’s quick thinking helped him and his bus driver evacuate a bus right before it caught fire on Tuesday morning.
The bus had just picked up its first student, Rocco Arcese, 11, on the way to school, according to NBC 10. Soon after, Arcese said that the bus smelled like burning rubber, so he alerted the driver, and they agreed to evacuate, CBS New York reports. The front of the bus became engulfed in flames moments later. Responding firefighters extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported, according to NBC 10. The fire chief told NBC 10 that the fire is believed to have been caused by a mechanical problem.
Arcese’s family told CBS New York that they love the school bus driver and are thankful for the safe actions he took.
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 →