East Bethel mom alerts driver, saves bus riders
A school bus caught fire in East Bethel, and parent Kari Thorp alerted the driver after spotting flames near a tire, allowing all 22 children and the driver to evacuate safely, according to FOX 9. The bus tires later exploded after firefighters arrived; a week later, the community presented thank‑you baskets to both the driver and Thorp for their actions.
📌 Key Facts
- Location: East Bethel, Anoka County (Twin Cities metro)
- All 22 children and the bus driver evacuated safely; no injuries reported
- Witness Kari Thorp saw flames near a tire and warned the driver
- Bus tires exploded after fire crews arrived, underscoring fire severity
- Community gathered a week later to thank Thorp and the driver