Heroic Ohio Bus Driver Rescues 15 Students from Burning School Bus
In a remarkable display of quick thinking and bravery, Ohio school bus driver Dorian Pace rescued 15 students from a burning bus on February 27, 2025. Pace, an 11-year veteran driver for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, was en route to Monticello Middle School when he heard a loud boom from beneath the bus. Upon pulling over, he noticed smoke and flames emerging from the right rear tire.
Reacting swiftly, Pace initiated an immediate evacuation, guiding all students safely off the bus through the front door, away from the fire. He credited regular bus evacuation drills for preparing both himself and the students for such emergencies. "I can't lose any kids," Pace recalled thinking during the incident.
Superintendent Liz Kirby expressed immense relief and gratitude for Pace's actions, noting that the bus had passed its annual state inspection just two weeks prior. As a precaution, the district re-inspected all buses following the incident.
Pace's heroism underscores the critical importance of emergency preparedness and the dedication of school bus drivers to student safety. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the positive impact individuals can have in critical situations.
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