Hillsboro, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – When you might have said the Pana Panthers football team was coming in hot this season, this probably isn’t what you meant.

The team’s bus caught fire Friday night as the team was returning to Pana after a 46-27 win over Hillsboro.

But, according to the team’s Facebook page, a fire broke out while on Route 16.  The team says everyone was able to safely evacuate the bus and moved a distance away from the fire.  No one was hurt.

“Incredible courage was displayed by our bus driver, coaches, and players in a time where panic could’ve caused the unthinkable,” said the Facebook post.  “Beyond anything else, Panther Nation, that’s what you should be proud of.”

It’s not clear what started the fire, but first responders including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Police, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, and Witt Fire and EMS.

“There are things to fix, but we are happy to start off the season 1-0,” said the team.  The Panthers play Piasa next week at home.

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