Crime & Safety
No Students Injured in Bus Fire on First Day of School
The School District of Pickens County said the driver heard a popping noise and then saw smoke coming from the engine area. The driver evacuated all 18 students safely from the bus.
No students were injured in a bus fire in Pickens County Tuesday morning.
The School District of Pickens County reported 18 students had to be evacuated from a school bus after the driver said she heard a popping noise and saw smoke coming from the engine area.
The incident started around 7 a.m. while the bus was traveling near Saluda Dam Road on Sonora Drive.
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The bus was carrying students to Crosswell Elementary, Gettys Middle School and Easley High School. Another bus was sent to pick the children up and take them to school, the district said.
“I'm very proud of our Easley driver, Pam Pierce," said Aaron Boyles, coordinator of transportation for the district. "She very calmly evacuated the bus and moved the students out of harm’s way. We think she's a hero! Thanks to Pam's quick thinking we are so grateful that no one was injured.”
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At this time it appears that a mechanical problem started the fire, according to the school district.
Tuesday was the first day of school for students in Pickens County.
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