An eastern Ontario bus driver says she acted on pure instinct when she hustled seven kids off a school bus moments before it burst into flames.
Paulette Rossi says her maternal impulses kicked in earlier this week when she noticed a wisp of smoke coming off the bus she was driving near Cornwall, Ont.
She says she immediately hurried seven elementary school-aged children off the vehicle with their belongings before notifying her employer that there may be a mechanical issue on board.
Minutes later, Rossi says flames were billowing from the bus' windows.
The 61-year-old says she was shocked at how quickly the bus was consumed by fire, and she's grateful no one was injured in the blaze.
While her employer and community members are praising her for her quick thinking, Rossi says she's reluctant to take credit for simply doing what came naturally.