Nigerian-American School Bus Driver Lauded as Hero After Evacuating Children from Burning Vehicle

A Nigerian-American school bus driver named Sammy Agunbiade, is being called a hero after he successfully evacuated some school children from the bus he was driving, shortly before the bus burst into flames.

The incident occurred at the Houston Spring Branch Independent school district in Houston, Texas, abc 7 News reports.

Speaking on the incident and the recognition he has received as a result, Agunbiade says:

“They’re calling me a hero. I said hero? I just did what I was supposed to do you guys are mine I’m supposed to take care of you…

I just noticed a pop when we got up Westview. First we thought it was the kids in the back making noises. I wasn’t sure what it was so I it’s slowing down. Then I see smoke coming from the back of the tailpipe of the bus.. then a smell. I called into the bus yard to tell them what was going on. I told the kids we need to get out…Smoke had to started building up quicker and quicker.

I rushed all 30 kids off the bus just before it went up in flames, and then got a fire extinguisher.

I was trying to see if I could put it out because it was a little flame. I was surprised and I was shocked when the fire came up.

…I’m not only glad I was blessed. I was happy because some of those kids I’ve been driving them for the last three years. They are just like my own.”

 Photo Credit: abc7