A study visit by students from Professor Noronha Feio Elementary School in Queijas, Oeiras, ended yesterday, when the bus who carried them was consumed by the flames in A5, towards Lisbon – Cascais. At the time of the fire, the car was just over a kilometer from the school, near the exit to Cheese.
It all happened just before 1pm. The driver, realizing a fire focused on the back of the vehicle, immediately touched the Berma and ordered to evacuate. With the support of two teachers, he was able to remove all 40 students, aged 14 to 16, safely. The 53 -year -old Ukrainian nationality driver who was part of the Barraqueiro staff for seven years, only abandoned the bus after ensuring that no one had stayed in the countryside.
According to the carrier’s source, it is “an exemplary employee” with several professional formations, including first aid. GNR also highlighted its intervention, praising calm, cold blood and the effectiveness with which it faced the situation.
Already with the support of GNR, the group was sent to a nearby service area. Three students, two with 14 and one 15, had to receive hospital care: one by inhalation of fumes and the other two due to the nerve state caused by the fright. All were transported to São Francisco Xavier Hospital.
The incident forced the firefighters’ rapid intervention, as well as the temporary cut of traffic, which was progressively reopened after controlling the situation.
