Shocking Blaze: Huntsville School Bus Catches Fire on Route to School

In a dramatic incident early Monday morning, an electric school bus caught fire en route to school, sending shockwaves through the community of Huntsville.

Around 8:30 a.m., the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department received an urgent call reporting a vehicle fire on Earls Road. Emergency responders arrived swiftly to find the bus engulfed in flames, but thanks to the quick actions of the bus driver, all students aboard were safely evacuated just moments before the fire erupted.

"The school bus had broken down prior to the fire starting. The driver of the bus had called for a replacement, which arrived and picked up the students shortly before the flames became visible," explained Grant Murchison, the fire prevention officer with the department.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the large battery systems typically associated with electric buses may not have been a direct cause of the blaze. Investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal have been notified to look further into the incident.

In a cautionary update, Murchison advised drivers to steer clear of Earls Road, specifically between Muskoka Road 3 North and Campus Trail, as the extinguishing of the fire caused icy conditions in the area. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and thankfully, none of the nearby homes were affected by the fire.

As a precautionary step, Hydro One also arrived at the scene due to the bus's proximity to power lines.

This frightening event highlights both the importance of rapid emergency response and the inherent risks associated with electric vehicles. Community members are relieved that no one was injured, but questions linger about the safety protocols for electric buses, especially in the school transport sector. More updates are expected as the investigation continues. Stay tuned for the latest developments!