Credit: CRSD
Arqam Ali, a bus driver for Durham School Services, was honored Monday morning for his heroic efforts in safely evacuating 36 students from a burning school bus last week.
The bus caught fire last Friday morning while on its way to the Council Rock School District’s Wrightstown Elementary School, but thanks to Ali’s prompt actions, all students were removed without injury.
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According to the district, Ali re-entered the burning bus twice to ensure no one was left behind.
On Monday morning, Ali’s actions were celebrated upon his return to Wrightstown Elementary School for morning drop-off. School administrators and local law enforcement officials were present to express their gratitude.
The Council Rock School District, including Wrightstown Elementary, had conducted evacuation drills earlier last week, which contributed to the preparedness of both the students and the driver during the emergency, officials said.
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Dr. Andy Sanko, the district superintendent, along with school principal Sam Smith and Newtown Police Capt. Jason Harris, personally thanked Ali for his bravery and commitment to student safety.
Credit: CRSD
“I know you had some unexpected things happen on Friday, and we are so very proud of you for the way you exited the bus and took care of each other,” Sanko said.
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The investigation into the cause of the fire by the Wrightstown Township fire marshal is ongoing.