A destructive bus fire in Sheldon could have ended differently if not for the quick actions and instincts of the bus driver.

Vikki Czechowicz began her morning run as normal on Tuesday, but more than half way through her route she smelled a chemical odor. When she turned the corner approaching her next stop she saw smoke billowing out from the dashboard. In that moment, she says her mother instincts took over. Czechowicz turned off the bus and helped the 17 students exit.

“As soon as the flames broke out and everyone was off of the bus it took seconds before the flames were up well over the roof of the bus and once they got that big the whole front end was fully engulfed,” said Czechowicz.

Attica Central School District said buses undergo regular safety inspections. Each year drivers and students go through extensive safety training and evacuation drills which Czechowicz says prepared her in the event of an emergency such as this. Her number one priority was the kids.

 “They are pretty much my own children, that’s the way I think of them. We have fun on the bus. The girls like to bring in their phones and play songs and do a request hour. Miss Vikki what song do you want to hear?” said Czechowicz.

When Czechowicz dropped the students off at school Wednesday morning she was greeted by a round of applause from teachers.

The bus is a total loss and the fire is still under investigation.