Zimmerman Students Lose Belongings In School Bus Fire

ZIMMERMAN (AP) - Students from two elementary schools in Zimmerman safely evacuated a school bus before it caught fire, but many personal belongings, including handmade Christmas presents, were lost.

Authorities say the driver of the bus carrying students from Westwood Elementary and Zimmerman Elementary pulled over Tuesday afternoon as smoke began pouring from the engine compartment. Protocol required students to leave their things behind on the bus and evacuate. Winter coats, backpacks and gifts students had made for their parents were destroyed in the fire.

Insurance claim forms were being filed and a social worker is assisting families with immediate needs for clothing or backpacks.