Scary School Bus Fire Doesn't Turn Tragic Thanks to Heroic Driver (VIDEO)

on February 11, 2012 at 12:49 PM

school bus fire Pretty much the most horrifying image I can think of is a school bus engulfed in flames. Pretty much the most horrifying task I can think of is rescuing a bunch of little kids from a school bus engulfed in flames. But that's exactly what 37-year-old Lindora Richardson did this week.

It was just an average Wednesday afternoon run for the Charlotte, NC school bus driver. Same as every other day, driving the same Chantilly Montessori Elementary students home after school.

There were 6 kids left on the bus when it started filling with thick, black smoke.

Yikes! School bus on fire! I can't even imagine how scared those kids were.

Thank God Richardson is the type to stay cool under pressure! As calmly as if she were leading a fire safety drill, the driver simply pulled over, led the children to the back of the bus and caught them as they jumped to the street. Nobody was hurt.

BEST SCHOOL BUS DRIVER EVER!!!!

And modest, too. Richardson's comments?

"I was just doing my job, I feel like the kids were heroes. They stayed safe and calm under the whole situation, so I would call them the heroes."

Yeah, but you know what, Lindora Richardson?

You're still a hero. Sorry, you just are.

I mean, look at this video!

Is Lindora Richardson a hero for saving the kids on her school bus?

Image via jettmediaproductions/YouTube

About the author Jacqueline Burt

has written for numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites. She is easily bored and often tired, so she requires constant entertainment to keep her awake. Dance, Monkey! Dance!

Filed Under: fire

Comments (14)

FelipesMom

on Feb 11, 2012 at 1:15 PM

Hell yes. Everyday heroes are still heroes! "Just doing your job" still counts as heroism if you save lives. Thank God for her!!

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Melissa042807

on Feb 11, 2012 at 1:22 PM

Yes she is a hero! A big part of that is she remained calm. If she had panicked, the kids would have panicked. But she remained calm and in control, and the kids felt safe with her. That goes a long way. I have a lot of admiration for her.

Stacey.

on Feb 11, 2012 at 1:32 PM

Yes, God put her there for a reason!

Nonmember comment from Stephanie.r.e

on Feb 11, 2012 at 2:13 PM

The bus driver is amazing but I can't help but feel enormous respect for that fire fighter that walked onto the bus!

Carey2006

on Feb 11, 2012 at 2:16 PM

ABSOLUTELY!!! She's a HERO!!!!

on Feb 11, 2012 at 2:20 PM

daisyb

on Feb 11, 2012 at 3:01 PM

A HERO indeed.. the Fire Fighter too!

mommaofemma

on Feb 11, 2012 at 6:54 PM

I didn't see the kids jumping out...

tfgrrl

on Feb 11, 2012 at 7:17 PM

Kudos to her for getting the kids off the bus safely, but cheers to the firefighters too! Did you see how the first one with the hose, just opened the door and charged right in? They had the fire knocked down in a matter of minutes. A big thank you to all the men and women who risk their lives to help and protect others!

PJOMOE

on Feb 11, 2012 at 7:27 PM

I seen this on fb. My husband drives a school bus. He transports our most precious cargo to and from school everyday. He has tons of responsibility. He gets very little appreciation from parents most of the time and his superiors once in awhile. He puts up with a lot more stuff than a lot of people think he does. His pay isn't all that great. He does his job despite the things I listed above because he loves it no matter what his day involves. Anyone can drive a school bus, it takes someone special to be a school bus driver.