Oshawa residents were startled Wednesday morning after a school bus ignited in flames while stopped in downtown Oshawa, prompting a quick response from a bystander and the local fire department.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on March 19, 2025, at the intersection of Gibb Street and Centre Street, where the bus operated by Stock Transportation was parked. A passerby, Cassie Differ, quickly sprang into action after spotting smoke rising from underneath the vehicle.
In a post on Facebook, Differ recounted, “I just started seeing smoke like a car being overheated and … I could see something leaking and then the smoke was getting more.” Her immediate concern led her to alert the bus driver urgently. “I’m like, ‘Get out now. Your bus is on fire. Get the kids out now,’” she recalled, her voice filled with urgency as she witnessed the flames growing larger.
Differ’s quick thinking proved essential, as she called 911 right away. She described frantically waving the driver to get the children off the bus. According to her account, students were evacuated safely thanks to the driver’s immediate response to Differ’s warning. Differ mentioned that a teacher from a nearby school came out to help, directing the students to safety.
“All the kids got out and headed into the school,” Differ wrote. “All of us were trying to get people away from there ’cause it looked like it was gonna blow before the fire (department) got there.”
The video shared on social media showed heavy smoke and flames pouring from the bus, adding to the tense atmosphere of the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire was significant, with flames visible as the fire department was dispatched to the location.
The Oshawa Fire Department arrived shortly after 8:30 a.m. and worked swiftly to contain the blaze, spending over an hour on-site. Anna Lam, a spokesperson for Stock Transportation, confirmed the involvement of their bus stating, “We are thankful that all students and staff on the bus were evacuated safely.” She added that investigations are underway with local authorities, although she did not disclose the number of students that were on board at the time.
Fire department officials have not issued detailed comments regarding the incident or its cause. Durham police have also not responded to inquiries regarding the case, leaving some residents to wonder about the circumstances that led to the fire.
While details are still emerging about the incident, community members have praised Differ for her prompt actions, which undoubtedly prevented potential injuries or worse. The event underscores the importance of vigilance in public spaces and the critical role bystanders can play in emergency situations.
The Oshawa community remains shaken yet grateful that all children and staff on the bus were unharmed. As investigations proceed, residents will be keen to learn more about the causes behind this alarming fire.
