A school bus carrying 19 children caught fire in Mangawhai this afternoon.
Parents of children stuck on a school bus that burst into flames are banding together to buy a gift for the “hero” driver, while an investigation into the cause is launched.
The father of a 13-year-old girl, a Rodney College student on board, said the driver helped the 19students escape through a side exit while the bus filled with smoke because the main doors failed to open.
The Leabourn Passenger Service bus caught fire yesterday, south of the Mangawhai township.
An investigation into the incident has been launched by bus operator Ritchies, and the cause of the dramatic blaze currently remains unknown.
Rodney College has confirmed that the bus impacted was filled with students from the school.
“We are extremely grateful that all passengers and the driver are safe,” the school said.
Rodney College principal Laurence Caltaux said the first priority is the well-being of the students.
“We will continue to support them and their families at this time. We will also work closely with our bus service provider to understand exactly what happened and take any necessary action to prevent a recurrence,” Caltaux said.
Locals have banded together to thank the driver who helped get all the school students off the burning bus without a scratch.
One local raised the idea of organising a community award for the driver, and another is organising an appreciation gift through community donations.
On the local Facebook page, the driver has been called a “brilliant human being”.
“Not all hero’s wear capes, well done to the bus driver,” another local said.
“Major fire and not one child hurt!! Bus driver is a legend,” another said.
A few parents said their children were lucky to escape the blaze because they either had appointments or were picked up from school that day.
Investigation launched
Ritchies, which owns Leabourn Passenger Service, is now conducting a “thorough internal investigation, bringing in independent expertise as required”, a spokesperson told the Herald.
“We are glad the incident ended safely for our passengers and driver.”
Locals on Facebook said they were told via a text that the cause of the fire was a “mechanical issue”.
However, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the cause of the blaze is currently undetermined.
The Herald has approached Workers First Union for comment.
A school bus caught fire in Mangawhai on Monday afternoon, with 19 students and the driver escaping unscathed. Photo / Supplied
Yesterday, police said all 20 people on the bus, 19 children and one driver, were safe.
The father of a 13-year-old girl on board said the news came as a “shock”, especially with this being only the second week his daughter has taken the bus.
He said his daughter told him the doors wouldn’t open, and they had to climb out the driver’s side.
“Bit concerning that the doors wouldn’t open ... there should be an emergency over-ride,” the father said.
“They pulled over, and the bus was filling with smoke. From what I’ve heard, [the driver] did a good job getting them all out.”
