School bus goes up in flames near Leigh, four children evacuated

The bus was extensively damaged by the fire. Photo / Kevin Lawton

Two children noticed smoke billowing from their school bus and alerted the driver before it burst into flames in a coastal town north of Auckland.

Emergency services were called to the blaze on Pakiri Rd, near Leigh, just before 8.30am.

Mahurangi College confirmed the four students on the bus all attended the school, which caters to students from Year 7-13.

College principal Tony Giles said two senior students alerted the driver to the smoke and then helped two younger Year 8 students off the bus.

“They acted calmly and decisively, ensuring everyone was safely evacuated and supported,” Giles said.

“I have spoken with their parents to pass on my thanks and to congratulate them.

“They are a real credit to their families and to our school.”

Four children have been evacuated after a school bus went up in flames. Photo / NZ Police

Leigh volunteer fire chief Kevin Lawton was first on the scene, arriving to find the bus “well involved” in flames.

“I rushed down to make sure no one was on the bus. It was well involved when I got there,” he said.

“The bus driver had, I think, four or five kids of different ages, and he had them all safely off – so he did a great job.”

Lawton said the children first noticed the smell of smoke and alerted the driver, who quickly pulled over and evacuated the bus.

“The kids could smell a bit of smoke, so the driver pulled over. That’s when the smoke started coming out,” he said.

“He responded really well, got the kids well clear of the bus and called it in.”

The bus was extensively damaged by the fire. Photo / Kevin Lawton

Lawton warned that toxic smoke can pose a serious hazard when vehicles catch fire.

“Luckily, everyone was kept well away from the scene,” he said.

“With a fire like that, you’ve got tyres exploding and a lot of toxic fumes.”

While most commuters were understanding, Lawton said some showed little patience toward crews.

“We were abused a bit, and we get a bit frustrated with that.

“We’re all volunteers – and all the locals are really good. It’s just the odd person.”

The bus was extensively damaged in the fire.

Mahurangi College said a replacement bus had been secured for this afternoon, and it will be meeting with the bus company to “debrief ... and seek assurances regarding fleet safety”.

Sergeant Mark Stallworthy confirmed all four children on board were safe.

“They have all been safely removed,” he said.

“It’s fortunate that no one has been hurt.”

Pakiri Rd was down to one lane until about midday.

It is the second time this week that a school bus carrying children has burst into flames north of Auckland.

Students endured a frightening trip home on Monday when their bus caught fire, forcing them to escape through the driver’s side exit after the main doors failed to open.

The bus ignited near the intersection with Carter Rd, south of Mangawhai township.

The blaze prompted a partial road closure as emergency crews worked to contain it.

Police confirmed all 20 people on board, including 19 students and the driver, made it out safely and were unharmed.

A school bus caught fire in Mangawhai on Monday afternoon, with 19 students and the driver escaping unscathed. Photo / Supplied

The father of a 13-year-old passenger said the incident came as a “shock”, especially as it was only the second week his daughter had been catching the bus.