A quick-thinking school bus driver and three students who jumped into action before the vehicle went up in flames are being recognized for their bravery by the Trillium Lakelands District School Board.
On January 13th at around 8:30 a.m., Campbell Bus Lines Route M241 driver Garry Thompson, Huntsville Public School students Kennedy and Corbyn, and Huntsville High School student Aspen were on their morning route as usual. Thompson detected that there was something wrong with the bus and knew that students were at risk. After pulling the bus over, Thompson selected Kennedy, Corbyn, and Aspen to aid in evacuating the vehicle and moving everyone to a safe location.
The driver re-boarded the bus to call dispatch and request that they contact emergency services and send a recovery bus. The driver then conducted a second and third check of the bus to ensure that every student rider had evacuated. When the recovery bus arrived, the three volunteer students “demonstrated leadership and care in assisting the other riders to board the new bus to continue their rides to school”. After the recovery bus left the scene with the students, a fire did start in the engine area, eventually engulfing the bus.
The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department responded with crews from Station 1 Huntsville, comprising of 11 firefighters and 2 trucks. No other structures were damaged by the fire. Hydro One attended the scene as a precaution after the bus was said to be in close proximity to hydro wires.
The Board is praising Thompson and the students, saying that their actions are the reason no one was injured, and the damage was contained to the bus.
Congratulations to Garry, Aspen, Kennedy and Corbyn. Your community is proud of you!
