Metro Atlanta school bus driver saves students from fiery crash

A Douglas County school bus driver is being heralded as a hero after saving middle school students Friday.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

A Douglas County school bus driver is being heralded as a hero after saving middle school students Friday.

A Douglas County school bus driver is being praised as a hero after officials say she saved students from a fiery crash Friday afternoon.

Shuronda Richardson was at the intersection of Maxham and Old Alabama roads when a truck ran a red light, pushing another vehicle under the school bus carrying Turner Middle School students, Douglas County School System Transportation Department Director Andy Micacchione said.

“That vehicle caught on fire and spread to the school bus with students still inside,” Micacchione said.

Richardson and the students evacuated the bus and escaped injury.

“(She) quickly worked to safely evacuate all her passengers and avoid a potentially life-threatening situation,” Micacchione said.

The transportation department plans to honor Richardson and nominate her for a statewide award based on the heroic act.

Authorities told Channel 2 Action News the driver of the vehicle was taken to a hospital. That person’s injuries are not known.

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