12 Cheerleaders Flee Burning Bug

How many cheerleaders is too many cheerleaders for a Volkswagen Bug?

Twelve.

That’s how many from Buena High School crammed into one of the little cars during a contest Friday. The weight forced the seat springs onto the uncovered terminals of the car’s battery, causing the back seat to smolder, said Jim Morgan, assistant principal.

A 16-year-old junior was treated for minor burns on the upper leg. She was not identified.

“It was like turning on a switch to a heater,” Morgan said. “The springs got red hot, burning the student.” The car filled with smoke, he said.

“One of the cheerleaders began screaming, and all quickly got out of the car,” Morgan said.