On September 9, at about 5:30 p.m., a bus carrying 54 children caught on fire. The children in grades ranging from elementary to high school were part of a singing group from Palo Alto, and were traveling to Santa Cruz.
The driver, Moreno Fidencio, noticed smoke coming from the rear of the bus and pulled over to the right side of the road. All of the passengers were able to exit safely before the bus became engulfed in flame. There were no reported injuries.
Both southbound lanes were closed for about 15 minutes while the fire was being extinguished. The number one lane was then opened for traffic, but the number two lane remained closed while passengers were safely loaded on alternate transportation. Both lanes were open at about 8:00 p.m.
California Highway Patrol Officer Smith said “the cause of the fire is currently unknown.” According to Officer Smith, the incident is being investigated.
