Driver helps students safely evacuate CMS school bus fire in Ballantyne

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CHARLOTTE — All students safely evacuated a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school bus after it caught on fire Thursday afternoon in Ballantyne, district administrators said in a statement to Channel 9.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene at Ardrey Kell Road and Ardrey Park Drive and video showed the front end of the bus and its engine were destroyed by a fire.

Traveling from Charles Parker Elementary at about 5:30 p.m., the bus driver noticed smoke, pulled over safely, and got the kids off bus 32.

The parents took the students home.

“Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools bus drivers are given safety training each year to manage various situations including emergency evacuations. Upon its last inspection bus 32 did not have any safety concerns, therefore the cause of the fire is under investigation,” officials said.

This is a developing story, check back with wsoctv.com for updates.