Pupils evacuated after Ulsterbus catches fire

The Ulsterbus developed mechanical trouble around 8.30am on the Somerset Road before catching fire.

When the fault was detected the driver evacuated the passengers who included Coleraine Inst and Coleraine High School pupils.

No one was injured in the incident.

One eyewitness said: “The bus has pulled into the layby at Somerset Furniture and there were two fire appliances at the scene.

“The school pupils were out of the bus, the driver had obviously stopped when he detected a problem.”

A Translink spokesperson told The Coleraine Times: “We can confirm that smoke was detected from the engine compartment of an Ulsterbus service at around 8.30am on Wednesday, April 18 on Somerset Road, Coleraine.

“There were approximately 40 passengers on board.

“No one was injured and the driver and passengers were all taken off the bus safely. The passengers were transported onwards by another bus service. “Emergency services attended the scene as a fire had subsequently developed.

“Translink is currently investigating the cause of the incident”