News Summary
The Medina High School girls lacrosse team experienced a frightening incident when their charter bus caught fire while traveling through West Virginia. Fortunately, thanks to the quick actions of their driver and local firefighters, all players and coaches were evacuated safely. They were cared for by firefighters until a replacement bus arrived to take them home. The incident highlights the importance of quick thinking and community support during emergencies.
Medina High School Girls Lacrosse Team Unscathed After Charter Bus Fire in West Virginia
In an alarming turn of events, the Medina High School girls lacrosse team found themselves in quite the predicament on a charter bus traveling down I-77 in Sissonville, West Virginia. The inci…
dent, which struck around 7 p.m. on Thursday, occurred as the team was returning home after spending some fun-filled days soaking up the sun during their spring break in the Carolinas.
A Night of Unforeseen Drama
As the bus rolled along the interstate, the young athletes seemed to be having a typical journey—most of the girls were dozing off, exhausted from their trip. But things took a dangerous twist when they first detected the faint yet concerning aroma of smoke wafting through the bus. The bus driver’s keen sense picked up an unusual noise seemingly coming from the engine. Sensing that something was off, he promptly pulled over, leading to an urgent situation.
Quick Thinking Saves the Day
A light haze of smoke began to envelop the inside of the bus, prompting the driver to act swiftly. Evacuation was critical. All 18 players, alongside three coaches and the driver, made a speedy exit. Fortunately, everyone managed to get out safely without any reported injuries. However, in their rush, the girls had to leave behind some personal belongings such as shoes, phones, and clothing.
Just two minutes after the last coach exited the vehicle, the situation escalated with the bus going up in flames. What started as a minor issue had quickly transformed into a full-blown fire.
Support from Local Heroes
The local Sissonville Fire Department responded to the emergency with commendable swiftness. Once the team was safely evacuated, the firefighters welcomed them at their station, where the girls were able to clean up and grab a bite to eat while waiting for a replacement bus. The quick actions of the firefighters and the bus driver turned a potentially disastrous situation into one of teamwork and gratitude.
Luckily, the majority of the team’s lacrosse equipment was salvaged, although personal items—including some shopping purchases made earlier in the day—were tragically lost in the fire. Throughout the incident, parents of the team members were kept in the loop, ensuring that families were informed and reassured about their children’s safety.
Homeward Bound
After some time at the fire station, a replacement bus was arranged by the tour bus company, allowing the girls and their coaches to head back to Medina. The team arrived home around 2 a.m. the following day, tired but extremely relieved that everyone was safe.
Looking Ahead
Investigations into the cause of the fire are currently underway with the state fire marshal’s office looking into the details. The charter bus company is also conducting its own examination, focusing on maintenance protocols and inspections that were performed prior to departure.
While the team may have lost some personal effects, their experience has certainly highlighted the importance of quick thinking and community support in times of crisis. Many girls expressed their relief that, despite the chaos, everyone made it out unscathed—much to the credit of their coaches and the brave firefighters.
This incident serves as a reminder that adventures can take unexpected turns, but it’s the spirit of teamwork and the kindness of strangers that can turn a frightening ordeal into a story of resilience.
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Additional Resources
- Akron Beacon Journal
- Wikipedia: Charter Bus
- News 5 Cleveland
- Google Search: Medina Lacrosse Team
- WKYC
- Google Scholar: Lacrosse Team Safety
- Cleveland 19
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lacrosse
- Fox 8
- Google News: Medina Lacrosse Team Bus Fire