Cleveland Heights School Bus Bursts into Flames During Morning Pickups; No Injuries Reported

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS — A school bus fire erupted this morning at the corner of Cambridge and Northampton while transporting students to Monticello Middle School. The Cleveland Heights Fire Department responded swiftly, containing the blaze without any injuries.

According to the Cleveland Heights Fire Department, the bus driver acted quickly, evacuating all students safely before the fire spread. The students were then picked up by another district vehicle and transported to school. “Everyone was safely evacuated, thanks to the quick action of the bus driver. The students were transferred to another bus and have arrived at school, where counselors and staff are providing supports to them,” said Cathan Cavanaugh, Supervisor of Communications for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.

Witnesses described a dramatic scene as the fire broke out. A neighbor, who was driving nearby, recalled the moment vividly. “We were at the light at Monticello and Noble, the bus was next to me. As the light turned green, we started to go and I heard a large cannon-like boom. I looked over and the right rear axle of the bus was on fire!” she said. She attempted to alert the bus driver by honking and flashing her lights, but the bus continued for two more blocks before she lost sight of it.

Another witness was three blocks away when she heard the explosion. “I saw all of the smoke and was trying to drive through it to get to work. I saw flames just shooting out,” she recounted.

Firefighters arrived promptly and extinguished the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. No injuries were reported among the students or staff on board.

Unconfirmed reports circulated about another school bus fire in neighboring South Euclid this morning. However, officials have not confirmed these reports, and no further details have been provided.

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