N.C. School Bus Driver Saves Students From Burning Bus
EmailBus driver Lindora Richardson was driving her normal after-school route in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday when she noticed a burning smell.
“I smelled something and I just knew it didn’t smell right,” she told ABC News Charlotte affiliate WSOC-TV.
Smoke then started pouring from the steering wheel of the 13-year-old bus and that’s when Richardson took action. “As I saw the smoke, I knew it was time to get the kids and myself off the bus,” she said.
Richardson led the six kids out the back of the bus before it burst into flames less than five minutes later.
“I was calm and they were calm and I felt that’s what aided in a safe delivery for the kids,” Richardson, 37, said. “I’m no hero. … I was just doing my job.”
Fire investigators told WSOC-TV that they believe the blaze was caused by an electrical wiring malfunction.
Image Credit: Jett Media
WSOC-TV contributed to this report.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
Wow, now that is a good bus driver. She handled it calmly and does not even want any credit for just doing a good job. We need more people like her. I hope the families of these kids appreciate how well she handled that situation.
Posted by: Seriously | February 10, 2012, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm
i’ve seen that so many times, this is ridiculous. the government should require new buses because this is happening alot, and its usually a wiring issue. c’mon now. at least everyone made it off safe.
Posted by: brad | February 10, 2012, 3:12 pm 3:12 pm
Hero? Seriously? What human would NOT get SIX – SIX! little kids off the bus with you?
She is no hero! Stop it!
Posted by: PD73 | February 10, 2012, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
Hi Mr. Muir,
I just watched the news cast for this evening, Friday, Feb 10, 2012. I honestly can’t believe you announced your “Person of the Week” as the basketball player. The North Carolina bus driver, Ms. Richardson, of the previous story, saved six children! Your selection mystifies me. Who makes these choices and how?
Thank you for your time
Posted by: Catherine Lacey | February 10, 2012, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
No picture of this heroic lady? Great work.
Posted by: grammabet | February 10, 2012, 7:14 pm 7:14 pm
One thing I’ve noticed about heroes. All of them say they aren’t heroes – that they were just doing what they were supposed to be doing. “It’s my job…”
Nonetheless, she’s a hero.
Posted by: Kathy Kinsley | February 10, 2012, 7:36 pm 7:36 pm
Even new buses can catch on fire. Old or new, doesn’t matter. First time I drove my brand new (at the time) Thomas, my rear brakes were dragging…I had no idea until someone got my attention. BRAND NEW. Thankfully, it only smoked. And it wasn’t loaded with kids.
It’s maintenance. Plain & simple.
This driver is a credit to our profession, she used her training and everything turned out fine. And yes, it’s our job to do this. We protect kids.
Posted by: Buslady | February 19, 2012, 11:45 am 11:45 am
I think Lindora deserves a million rounds of aplause there for a her quick and excellent decission. If I were to be her what would I do…safe my dear life before even think of some kids..? God! She is a hero.
Posted by: Femi | February 22, 2012, 5:51 am 5:51 am