Quick Thinking Saves the Day: Students Safely Evacuated from School Bus Incident

Friday, Nov. 3, at approximately 7:30 a.m., there was an electrical issue with
one of our school buses. While the Route 14 school bus was en route to H.O. Whitehurst with 25 student passengers remaining, the bus driver noticed a small amount of smoke from under the hood. The driver immediately stopped the bus, notified our transportation department, and
swiftly initiated an evacuation of all students from the bus to a safe and secure location.
All 25 students who were on the bus were successfully evacuated from the bus in under 1
minute. There were no injuries or need for medical attention for students or the driver. All other
school district vehicles were rerouted from the location. The Groesbeck Police department
quickly responded to the site. The engine hood remained closed (safety protocol) and there were no flames or smoke from the bus. First responders stated that there was a burning electrical smell. Shortly after, Groesbeck Fire Department arrived on the scene and the bus was towed away.
“I want to thank our local first responders, our bus driver, and our students who evacuated in a
timely and calm manner. GISD will conduct a thorough investigation on how this electrical
failure occurred.” Superintendent Anthony Figueroa stated in his release to the press and parents. 
Sue Waller, our Director of Student Services and Bus Transportation will have a parent letter
sent home with all riders who were on the bus.
For further questions or concerns, please contact our Director of Student Services, Sue Waller at s.waller@groesbeckisd.net or 254-729-4118