by SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — A school field trip took a frightening turn Friday morning when a bus carrying 32 children and 5 adults caught fire while traveling southbound on Highway 17, near the notoriously narrow and curvy Moody Curve.
The Santa Clara County Fire Department reported that the blaze started in the engine compartment and quickly spread, engulfing the front of the bus before firefighters could arrive.
Thanks to the fast and calm response of the bus driver and adult chaperones, everyone on board was safely evacuated before the fire could cause harm.
“No injuries were reported due to the quick actions of those onboard,” fire officials said.
Multiple fire stations responded quickly, containing the flames and stopping the fire from spreading into the surrounding wooded area. Support also came from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) San Jose, emergency medical services, and other local agencies.
CHP temporarily closed both southbound lanes of Highway 17 for about 40 minutes to allow emergency crews to work safely. After moving the burned-out bus to the right shoulder, one lane reopened to ease traffic congestion.
A replacement bus was quickly sent to pick up the students and continue their trip.
Firefighters stayed on the scene to monitor for any flare-ups and ensure the fire was fully out.
