By Brenna Eller
McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — A Marion High School Activity Bus caught fire north of McPherson on I-135 Friday, July 12, 2024.
Marion High School football players and coaches were on their way home from a football camp at Kansas Wesleyan University.
According to McPherson Fire Department, they responded to mile marker 68 on I-135 shortly before 1 p.m. to assist Lindsborg Fire Department with the fire. The 29 occupants of the bus had evacuated the bus when the fire was detected. The fire department shared that Southbound I-135 traffic was reduced to one lane while the incident was mitigated. McPherson Fire responded with 4 Apparatus and 9 personnel. McPherson County Sheriff Deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol were on the scene as well.
In a social media post, Marion-Florence USD 408 shared that all coaches, players and the bus driver were safe and unharmed in the incident and stated that it was due to the response to the situation through bus safety instructions.
Before they take off, USD 408 activity bus drivers go over the instructions in case of an emergency every time they drive.
“Our coaches and players take that information that they receive every time they step foot on the bus and they put it into action right when smoke became evident today,” USD 408 said.
The bus, personal belongings and football equipment will be replaced. USD 408 shared that they are just thankful no one was harmed in the incident and that everyone was able to make quick decisions in the serious situation.
