Quick-Thinking Mom Rescues 22 Kids from Burning School Bus

A mother’s quick actions saved the lives of 22 children from a burning school bus in East Bethel, Minnesota, on October 22, 2025. When Kari Thorp stepped outside to greet her daughter after school, she was met with a frightening sight: a school bus engulfed in flames, billowing smoke into the sky. Without a moment’s hesitation, Thorp rushed towards the bus to alert the driver, Rick Gratton.

“Kids were crying. Kids were scared and freaking out,” Thorp recalled. “It was quite emotional and kind of frantic.” The urgency of the situation propelled both Thorp and Gratton into action as they worked together to evacuate the frightened children safely.

Thorp and Gratton managed to guide all 22 students from East Bethel Elementary off the bus just before the fire spread further. Thorp’s home surveillance camera captured the scene as the children gathered in front of her house, visibly shaken as the bus became fully engulfed in flames.

Fortunately, despite the destruction of the school bus and its contents, including some backpacks and lunch boxes, all the children emerged unscathed. The rapid response of both Thorp and Gratton has been widely praised by parents and school officials alike. They have been hailed as heroes for preventing what could have been a tragic incident.

In the aftermath, community members expressed their gratitude for the bravery displayed by Thorp and Gratton. Local authorities are also reviewing safety protocols to ensure that such incidents are addressed swiftly in the future, prioritizing the well-being of students during transportation.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of quick thinking in emergencies, showcasing how one mother’s instinct and the composure of a dedicated driver made all the difference.