School Bus Fire: Students Evacuated Safely in Mangawhai
- A school bus carrying 19 children was evacuated safely after catching fire in Mangawhai, New Zealand, on Monday afternoon, February 9, 2026.
- According to reports, the bus was filling with smoke as the driver pulled over, and all passengers were able to exit the vehicle.
- Photos circulating online show bright orange flames and thick black smoke billowing from the bus.
School Bus Fire Evacuates 19 Children in Mangawhai
A school bus carrying 19 children was evacuated safely after catching fire in Mangawhai, New Zealand, on Monday afternoon, . Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) responded to the incident at local time.
According to reports, the bus was filling with smoke as the driver pulled over, and all passengers were able to exit the vehicle. A parent recounted that his daughter informed him the bus doors would not open, forcing the children to climb out the driver’s side. “Bit concerning that the doors wouldn’t open … There should be an emergency override,” the father said.
Photos circulating online show bright orange flames and thick black smoke billowing from the bus. One local described the scene as a “frightening sight.”
Firefighters are still working to extinguish the blaze, with one fire engine, one water tanker, and a support vehicle currently on scene. FENZ confirmed that everyone on board was evacuated safely.
Authorities have closed a section of Mangawhai Road following the fire, and it is expected to remain closed until the scene is cleared. Police are managing the road closure and anticipate reopening it once the area is safe.
Initial reports suggest a “mechanical issue” may have been the cause of the fire, according to information shared on local social media. However, this has not been officially confirmed by investigators.
The incident raises questions about emergency procedures on school buses, particularly regarding the functionality of emergency exits. The father whose daughter was on board highlighted the concern that the doors were reportedly inoperable, suggesting a potential failure of the emergency override system.
While the immediate priority remains ensuring the safety of the children and extinguishing the fire, a thorough investigation will likely be conducted to determine the precise cause of the blaze and to review safety protocols for school transportation in the region. The driver is reportedly to have done a good job getting all the children off the bus.