Toledo School bus goes up in flames

A school bus caught fire after school the first day back in Toledo

The first day of school at Toledo School District was a first for the schools in our area. After delivering all the students to their homes, a school bus caught fire and is a total loss.

From the Toledo School District Superintendent, "A Toledo School bus was destroyed by fire. William Blankenship had finished delivering all of his riders and was executing a turn around on Classe Rd. The turn involved backing the bus. When backed, the bus muffler came in contact with dry grass on the shoulder which ignited. In spite of Blankenship's efforts to extinguish it, the fire spread to the interior of the bus. The bus was fully involved when members of Lewis County Fire District 8 responded. The blaze was extinguished quickly before it could spread to surrounding brush, timber and structures."

Transportation Director Cory Kincaid noted, "I am so pleased with how quickly firefighters were on scene. They really did a great job." The vehicle is a total loss.

"We have a spare bus that we can use while we work on a replacement,'' said Kincaid. "No interruptions to service for students and families."
No one was hurt in the incident and no citations were issued.The bus is covered by insurance and will be replaced."

This was a first for our area and let's hope this is the last time it happens.