Thursday, Dec. 6, At the intersection of 224th St E and Meridian Ave E, the turbo on a Nelson Elementary bus failed, causing oil to ignite. This caused excessive smoke at the back of bus. Smoke did not enter the bus. 

A Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy, who was following behind the bus, reported flames coming from the back of the bus. The deputy turned on his lights and signaled for the driver to pull over. The driver immediately stopped the bus and both she and the students quickly evacuated. There were no injuries and all students were safely delivered to school by another bus. 

Graham Fire says there was no smoke on the bus and the evacuation by the driver and students was perfect; they knew exactly what to do. “The process was efficient, organized and safe.”

Great job to the Nelson students and Anita, the bus driver!