Dorian Pace, a school bus driver from Ohio, is being called a hero after saving 15 students from a burning bus in a dramatic rescue on February 27. Thanks to his quick thinking and emergency training, everyone made it out safely.
Pace, who has been driving buses for 11 years, was on his usual route to Monticello Middle School in Cleveland Heights when he suddenly heard a loud boom from underneath the bus. Moments later, smoke and flames started coming from the right rear tire.
That’s when his instincts kicked in. Without hesitation, Pace went into full emergency mode, staying calm as he directed all 15 students to exit through the front door, away from the growing fire.
“The only thing going through my mind was, ‘I can’t lose any kids,’” Pace told Good Morning America.
At first, the students didn’t realize how serious the situation was. Some were scared, but they trusted Pace and followed his instructions. Meanwhile, people outside watched in shock as the flames spread and explosions erupted.
Thankfully, Pace got everyone off the bus in time, and no one was hurt. His heroic actions have earned him widespread praise.
“I would feel such a level of comfort putting my kids on one of your school buses, knowing that there are men and women of this character,” said Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
“Thank you so very much for making all bus drivers across this state proud,” added Davida Russell, vice president of the Cleveland Heights City Council.
As for what caused the fire, officials are still investigating. They believe it started behind the wheel well, though the bus had passed its annual inspection just two weeks before the incident. As a precaution, the school district is now re-inspecting all of its buses.
No doubt about it—Dorian Pace’s quick actions saved lives that day.
