Pupils saved as bus catches fire

Bridgnorth Endowed acting headteacher Gareth Ball today praised the behaviour of the pupils and the quick-thinking of the driver who averted a potential disaster.

"The first we knew about it was the pupils telling us when they arrived at school about half-an-hour late," Mr Ball said.

"They were telling us there was fairly prompt action from the driver. A number of students were waiting to get on the bus but everyone was moved a good 100 yards away for their safety.

"From what I understand everyone behaved very sensibly indeed and the bus driver organised things so that people were well away from the situation."

Driver Keith Vernon said he smelled fuel and the engine cut out just before the fire started.

"The results don't bear thinking about if we hadn't got everybody off," he said.

"I saw the smoke, got everyone to a safe distance and while I was doing that it just took hold. We are not talking minutes, we are talking seconds."

The 114 bus service, operated by Choice Travel, had collected children from Badger, Ackleton and Worfield and was on its way to The Hobbins when the fire happened at around 8.30am on Tuesday. Fire crews were called to the incident.

The children were then picked up by another bus and taken to school.

Spokesman for Shropshire County Council, Gareth Proffitt, today said a detailed report into the fire was being prepared by the bus operators.

He said: "We understand that the passengers were evacuated and the road closed while the fire brigade dealt with the incident, but we are currently awaiting a more detailed report."

Choice Travel depot manager Dave Wild said the incident was being investigated.

By Simon Alton