Fire destroys Northumberland school bus

A Northumberland school bus has been destroyed by fire.
Firefighters tackle the blaze. Picture: NCC/NFRSFirefighters tackle the blaze. Picture: NCC/NFRS
Firefighters tackle the blaze. Picture: NCC/NFRS

The driver of the bus raised the alarm when the fire broke out in the engine compartment and two fire crews were called to the scene at Old Bewick, near Alnwick, this morning, Thursday, January 23.

No children were on the bus at the time at the time the fire broke out and the driver was able to escape uninjured.

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The Highways Agency was also alerted to check any damage caused to the road surface.

The burnt-out vehicle. Picture: NCC/TWFRSThe burnt-out vehicle. Picture: NCC/TWFRS
The burnt-out vehicle. Picture: NCC/TWFRS

A Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We received a call at 8am this morning of a school bus on fire at Old Bewick Farm House.

“Two appliances attended, one from Belford and one from Alnwick, one officer was also in attendance.

“We alerted the Highways Agency to check the state of the road and BT as there was an overhead cable burnt through.”

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A Northumberland County Council spokeswoman added: “The driver of the vehicle noticed smoke coming from the dashboard.

Two fire appliances were called. Picture: NCC/NFRS.Two fire appliances were called. Picture: NCC/NFRS.
Two fire appliances were called. Picture: NCC/NFRS.

“After attempting to extinguish the fire himself it became apparent that the emergency services would be required, who were duly called.

“At the time of the fire there were no students on board the vehicle and the driver was not injured.

“The bus company contacted the school, parents and ourselves to explain the incident and advised that a replacement bus would be sent out.

“All students made it to school safely and a replacement bus will also be operation this afternoon.”