Lucky escape for students after school bus goes on fire

Around 40 students on board a school bus had a lucky escape after the bus they were travelling on burst into flames on Wednesday afternoon shortly after they had evacuated it.

It is understood that the driver noticed smoke and all students were asked to immediately leave the bus.

The bus had been contracted by Bus Eireann and was taking children home from Athboy Community School.

A spokesperson for Bus Eireann confirmed that a fire incident had occurred on Wednesday afternoon, 18th March, on a contracted bus service at Athboy Community School, and that the cause is being investigated.

"The driver became aware of smoke onboard the bus and instructed all pupils to evacuate the bus immediately. There were 40 pupils onboard the bus and thankfully no injuries were reported.

"The safety of our passengers, staff and the public is of paramount importance to Bus Éireann. Emergency services were at the scene of the incident and the cause of the incident is currently under investigation."