A school bus carrying students from La Vina and Madera South High School caught fire Thursday morning after experiencing a mechanical malfunction, authorities said.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to Avenue 8 and Road 23 ½ after farmworkers waved down the bus driver, who noticed smoke coming from the back of the vehicle.

The driver immediately followed safety protocols, evacuating all students safely before the bus caught fire, authorities said.

Madera Unified School District said no students or the driver were harmed, and all students were transported on another bus to their schools.

The district praised the driver, first responders, and a passerby who assisted during the incident.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.