Ohio Patrol probes Lincolnview bus fire

Troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a fire Friday morning that damaged a Lincolnview Local Schools bus and forced the evacuation of 37 students and the bus driver.

The Patrol responded to a call at approximately 9:50 a.m. Friday that a school bus was on fire near the intersection of U.S. 224 and Slane Road.

When troopers arrived, they found Lincolnview bus No. 7 had large amounts of smoke coming from the vehicle, while flames were visible in the passenger compartment of the bus near the engine area.

First-responders at the scene were able to account for all the students and the bus driver, while two children were taken from Lincolnview Elementary School by Middle Point EMS Squad for evaluation of possible smoke inhalation.

Troopers were assisted by Middle Point Fire & EMS, and the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department.