A heroic act by a pregnant driver in Milwaukee has gained national attention. Imunek Williams, who is eight months pregnant, was driving her normal school bus route when she noticed a strange smell and smoke coming from the bus. Without hesitation, Williams sprang into action and evacuated all 37 students from the bus just moments before it caught fire.
Williams’ quick thinking and maternal instincts saved the lives of all the students on board. She attempted to call dispatch for help but was unable to due to the smoke. Instead, she relied on her own instincts and helped each student off the bus in time before it was engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, according to TMJ4 News.
Williams’ courageous act has been praised by many, including the school district superintendent who called her actions “nothing short of heroic.” The students and their families are undoubtedly grateful for her bravery and quick actions that kept them safe. While her pregnancy adds an extra layer of concern to the situation, she managed to remain calm and composed throughout the ordeal. She was transported to a local hospital as a precaution but is reportedly doing fine.
In interviews with local news outlets, Williams expressed relief that she was able to get everyone off the bus safely. Her “mommy instincts” kicked in, and she knew what needed to be done to protect her students. Her heroic actions serve as a reminder of the selflessness and bravery of many everyday heroes who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
School bus fires are a rare occurrence in the United States, but when they happen, they can result in catastrophic consequences. According to a report published by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there were 16 school bus fires reported in the U.S. between 2004 and 2013, resulting in 2 fatalities and 11 injuries.
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The report suggests that improved training and outreach, as well as better quality of reported data, could help in understanding the causes, frequency, and severity of motorcoach and school bus fires in the country.
One of the most recent and tragic incidents involving a school bus fire occurred in 2017 in Oakland, Iowa. The NTSB investigated the incident and found that the driver was unable to get the bus out of a ditch after reversing out of a driveway. A fire started, and both the driver and a student passenger died when they failed to exit the burning bus. The board held a meeting to determine the probable cause of the crash, with presentations covering topics such as school bus driver fitness for duty, survival factors, and school bus fire protection.