EAST BETHEL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A quick-thinking mom helped avert a potential tragedy when a bus caught fire in East Bethel .

Bus fire and quick response

What we know:

Kari Thorp noticed flames near the bus tire, and immediately alerted the driver. Her quick actions ensured that all the children and the driver got off the bus safely.

Thorp had just walked out of her home to help her 6-year-old daughter off the bus. That’s when she realized something was wrong.

"Right above the tire I just saw a burst of flame when I walked out. and as soon as she got off the bus, it kind of exploded under there too, so like a bigger flame then it just was smoke coming from the bus," Thorp said.

All of the 22 children initially gathered on Thorp's porch, visibly shaken by the incident.

"The kids wer

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