School bus catches fire, explodes after dropping off kids — VIDEO

MIDDLETOWN — A school bus caught fire as it pulled up to let off students Thursday morning.

Middletown schools Superintendent Bill George told the Patch of Middletown that students were exiting the bus at Middletown High School North when they smelled smoke.

The smoke developed into a fire in the engine compartment that engulfed the entire bus, according to Middletown police spokesman Paul Bailey. The was no damage to the building

Bailey said the driver, whose identity was not disclosed but has been driving for nearly 10 years,had been having mechanical problems during his route. The bus is operated by R. Helfrich & Son based in Hazlet Township.

A video shows a small explosion on the bus.

There is no criminal investigation into the fire, according to Bailey.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ

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