One Student Points Out a Mechanical Flaw Just Before a School Bus Accident

Sierra was on the bus and ready to unwind after a long day of school when he heard an unusual noise coming from under his seat. Thanks to his rowdy classmates, he couldn’t even tell if the sound was real or imagined and he had no idea what consequences it would soon have.

When most people imagine what a superhero looks like, they envision a guy in tights and a cape. But rarely do they consider that a hero might by a fifth-grader. And yet, that’s exactly what one elementary school student became when a freak school accident forced him to reveal his true identity.

It Was a Typical Day

The day started out like every other typical day in Tampa, Florida. In other words, it was very hot at 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But as a Floridian, Nicholas Sierra and his classmates were used to the heat as they waited for their bus at Mary E. Bryant Elementary School.

The Bus Pulled Into the School

Sierra breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Bus 72 pulling in. In fact, he and the other young passengers waved at Lenoir, the bus driver, as they boarded the bus. Lenoir had just moved to Tampa to be with his family, but a forthcoming event threatened to separate him from his loved ones forever.

He Boarded the Bus, Like Any Other Day

Sierra and his classmates were used to getting on the school bus at the end of the day, so nothing felt odd as they stepped foot in the vehicle. But they had no idea then what trouble would unfold in just a few minutes.

Back of the Bus, Fifth Graders

Sierra and his fellow fifth-grade students took their seats on the bus, but they couldn’t sit wherever they wanted. Kindergarteners had to sit in the front rows, while the other rows were designated for first, second, third, fourth and fifth graders.

And since Sierra and his pals were fifth-graders, they had to sit in the back.