Rescuers Save Driver, Passengers From School Bus Fire in Camden County

Quick actions by several Good Samaritans helped rescue passengers and a driver from a school bus fire in Berlin, Camden County, New Jersey, on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the fire occurred during the morning rush with a driver, an adult passenger, and a student in a wheelchair inside the bus, police said.

"It had to just happen when I pulled up," said Dave Gilfillan of Linden Auto Body and Towing, who was nearby when the fire erupted on the bus. "That's when I initially just grabbed the fire extinguisher and just unloaded all in here with the fire extinguisher."

Others who witnessed the fire also rushed to the bus to help. A volunteer firefighter and a nearby police officer ensured that everyone on the bus made it out uninjured.

According to The Daily News in New York, firefighters eventually extinguished the blaze. The Camden County Highway Department used a sand truck to absorb leaking fluids. Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the school bus fire.

Lt. Joshua Smith of the Berlin Police Department told NBC10 Philadelphia that everyone coming together to help made the difference.

"Thank goodness there were so many people involved," Smith said. "They were able to assist her and the child out of the bus right away."

Gilfillan said he didn't think twice when he saw the need for help. “Just a good Samaritan doing what I could, what I hope anybody in my shoes would do if they could," he stated.