Fire Breaks Out on School Bus Exiting Florida Theme Park, Update Provided

A terrifying incident occurred last weekend for a group of schoolchildren leaving SeaWorld Orlando.

According to local news station FOX 35, a charter bus carrying 47 6th-graders from Seminole Middle School caught fire on the way back from a field trip to the popular theme park where local schools regularly take young students to learn more about marine life.

Related: Is SeaWorld Getting Rid of Its Killer Whales?

The fire reportedly occurred on Florida’s Turnpike at approximately 8.30 p.m. on February 16. It started while the bus pulled over near a rest stop, meaning all 47 students – as well as four adult chaperones and the driver – were not on the bus when the fire broke out.

“All students, chaperones, and the bus driver safely evacuated prior to the fire starting,” a statement from Broward County Public Schools confirms. Nobody was hurt in the incident, and the fire was extinguished by the St. Lucie County Fire District.

Bus carrying Florida students home from SeaWorld Orlando field trip catches fire, officials say.

Bus carrying Florida students home from SeaWorld Orlando field trip catches fire, officials say https://t.co/PO3fWpbP1S

— FOX 35 Orlando (@fox35orlando) February 20, 2024

Related: Teenagers Now Need Written Permission To Watch Disney Movies in Florida

“The school’s principal remained in communication with the students’ parents and guardians regarding this situation,” the district added. “Once the replacement charter bus arrived, the students and chaperones returned safely to the school. We are proud of the quick responses to this situation by all those involved, as the safety of students and staff is always our priority.”

It’s currently unknown what started the fire. Broward County Public Schools has since added that it may have to change how it transports students and chaperones in the future.

Related: Shamu’s Out, Drones Are In – A Look at the New SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando is yet to release a statement about the incident. The park – which has proven controversial in the past due to its containment of marine mammals such as killer whales and dolphins – is set to kick off the recently-renamed company’s 60th-anniversary celebrations on March 21, 2024, with a new family coaster, Penguin Trek, opening this spring to mark the occasion.

Have you ever witnessed a scary incident at a theme park? Share your story with Inside the Magic in the comments.

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