More than 50 children are safe after a charter bus caught fire on I-75 northbound in Henry County on Friday afternoon.

The fire started from a blown tire, Henry police spokesman Joey Smith said. According to Channel 2 Action News, the bus driver smelled smoke, pulled over near Exit 218 and helped the children off the bus.

“They pulled over in time,” Henry fire spokesman Michael Black said. The fire started near the back of the bus, Channel 2 reported.

Driver helps elementary school kids escape charter bus fire in Henry County.

Fifty-one elementary school-age children and four adults were on board the bus, which was headed from Jekyll Island to Marietta. No one was injured.

Students are being held at the Henry County Emergency Operation Center until another charter bus arrived to take them home, Channel 2 reported.

The fire caused major delays along I-75 northbound near Ga. 18 and 20.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Members of the press and guests record the arrival of the new MARTA train at Lindbergh station during the unveiling of the new MARTA trains on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Featured

Sam Lilley, the late first officer of the fatal American Airlines flight, was a Richmond Hill, Ga. native. His father Tim Lilley posted this image of Sam on Facebook Thursday in remembrance. (Photo via Facebook)

Credit: Tim Lilley