Shoppers fled from a bus carrying them to the Trafford Centre after it caught on fire on the M60 motorway.
Thirty passengers had to flee the vehicle amid dramatic scenes this morning.
The 126 service, from Leigh to the Trafford Centre, caught fire between junctions 12 and 13 at 11.10am.
Its quick-thinking driver pulled over to the hard shoulder and ordered the passengers to scramble up the embankment.
Fire crews were called and extinguished the blaze when they arrived.
It is understood the fire involved the vehicle's exhaust system and fuel line.
The bus runs on diesel which reduced the threat of an explosion, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said.
He added: “The driver noticed what was happening and immediately pulled over. He got the passengers off and called us. He's done a good job.”
A relief vehicle was sent to pick up the passengers by Atherton-based South Lancs Travel.
Nobody was injured in the fire. Highways Agency officials were due to remain at the scene until the bus is towed away.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
This gives me an idea for a film.............................
I blame Metrolink.
Seriously though, well done to the driver. It's a shame the same can't be said of the First driver who reversed into an X50 on it's way out of the Trafford Centre and ended up with passengers covered in glass.
Surprised it wasn't on the news.
good thinking by the driver his quick action proberly prevented injuries, this is the person who desewrves an award not thieving bankers etc.
Quick thinking driver?
He's hardly going to carry on with the journey whilst the bus is on fire!
Any money it was a First Bus!!! They are awful.
They were going to the Trafford centre this takes the meaning of a fire sale to far.
I bet it was a First bus, utter disgrace awful buses and drivers. End of
Lucky escape there, they might have had to go all the way to the Trafford Centre if this hadn't happened...
wonder if the shoppers will find any hot bargains
Traffic was backed up to kearsley.
I've been informed (by an official source) that the bus never actually caught fire, but was smoking violently, hence the driver's decistion to stop and evacuate. The vehicle has been fixed and should be back in service tomorrow!