Smoke billowed into the air as students who were on their ways home from school in Charlotte, N.C. watched flames engulfing the yellow school bus they had been occupying moments earlier, on Thursday afternoon, October 19.

Video of the blaze gives some sense of the tragedy that could have potentially taken place had the vehicle's driver not smelled smoke and rushed the 16 South Mecklenburg High School students in his care, off. Within moments of him taking notice of the peculiar odor and taking action, a fire began to spread from its engine. Emergency medical personnel treated one of the youths who were present during the 4 p.m. incident. No other injuries or health concerns were reported.

“We are all grateful that every student and the driver are safe. The district trains bus drivers and CMS staff to respond in emergency situations and the district is proud of the quick action of this driver and also thankful for the swift cooperation of students on board," a statement issued on the matter by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools read. "The district holds the safety of all our kids and staff as the top priority and will conduct a thorough review to ensure the continued safety of our CMS students and staff.”

A replacement was eventually sent to transport the students home safely.