Bus driver safely evacuated 10 Sea Isle City students
SEAVILLE — The driver led 10 Sea Isle City students to safety after the Sheppard Bus on which they were traveling burst into flames April 16 on the Garden State Parkway in Cape May County.
Chief Perry Coker said the Seaville Fire and Rescue Company, along with the Upper Township Division of EMS, was called out at about 2:30 p.m. to mile marker 20.8 southbound in response to the fire.
“Upon arrival, heavy fire was seen throughout the bus,” Coker said.
He said the bus was en route from Ocean City Intermediate School to Sea Isle City when the driver reportedly heard a noise and pulled over. She then saw smoke and took precautionary measures.
All of the students and the driver had safely evacuated the vehicle by the time first responders arrived, he said.
Coker said first responders from the two companies, with assistance from Marmora Volunteer Fire Company, were on scene for about two hours. No injuries were reported.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority assisted with traffic control. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office and the New Jersey State Police.
Ocean City Intermediate School Principal Mike Mattina sent a letter to parents about the fire. A portion of the letter was dedicated to recognizing the efforts of the bus driver, identified only as “Miss Linda.”
“The driver acted in a professional manner and got students off the bus as soon as possible,” Coker said.
“No one was injured and all students later safely returned home,” according to a statement from the school district. “We want to thank everyone for their quick thinking and smart response during the incident. The students acted swiftly and calmly as they followed the driver’s directions to exit the bus as soon as a problem was identified. They should be commended, and we are thankful that everyone is safe.”
The district thanked the driver for her efforts to keep the students safe.
“We would also like to recognize the Sheppard Bus driver for her actions and concern for our students. She was a true hero and showed the utmost care for our students, making sure they were all out of harm’s way after exiting the bus,” according to the statement. “We are also grateful to all the responders in Upper Township who answered the call for this emergency. Their dedication to our local communities is second to none.”
The Ocean City Intermediate School has counselors available if any student is in need of services.
–By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
– Photos courtesy Seaville Fire and Rescue