Bus driver Janette Murray of Milford noticed heat near the gas and brake pedals while driving Mathewson School students home early Tuesday afternoon.
She stopped the bus and evacuated students just as the engine caught fire, said Fire Department Capt. Richard Mohr. Flames quickly engulfed the empty bus, which rolled backward down the street and came to rest against a tree. Surrounding leaves and brush also caught fire, Mohr said.
``I looked up and I saw smoke coming from the front of the bus,'' Graham O'Brien, a student on the bus, told WTNH-TV. I was like screaming, I was terrified and everybody was like screaming and wailing their arms around.''
None of the students, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, were hurt.
``She did a pretty good job,'' Mohr said. ``She didn't bother trying to fight the fire she got the kids off. Her primary responsibility was to take care of those kids.''
Murray could not be reached for comment.
Deputy Superintendent of Schools Philip G. Russell said he is demanding an immediate report chronicling what went wrong from Winkle Bus Co., the districts transportation provider.
``Well ask them to provide steps to ensure this never happens again,'' Russell said.
