Students safe after school bus gutted by wild blaze at Kiama

Bystanders have captured the shocking footage of a raging school bus inferno on the NSW south coast with one parent “struggling” to express her gratitude to the “hero” driver.

Bystanders have captured the shocking footage of a raging school bus inferno in the heart of the NSW south coast tourism town of Kiama.

The Kiama Coaches school bus was fully ablaze on Thursday morning on Collins St, Kiama, with multiple firefighters battling to bring the fire under control.

The wild scenes unfold about 8.45am with flames and black smoke billowing from the vehicle.

The bus was bound for nearby Kiama Public School and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, fortunately the dozens of students on board and the driver managed to escape the bus unscathed.

A spokesman for Fire and Rescue NSW said 33 students as well as the driver were evacuated from the bus which took fireys about 15 minutes to contain.

The burnt-out bus on Collins St, Kiama. Picture: FRNSW

“Upon arrival, FRNSW crews found the coach fully alight and immediately got to work attacking the fire. It took approximately 15 minutes to contain the fire,” the spokesman said.

“Specialist FRNSW hazmat (hazardous materials) crews also attended due to the bus carrying 200l of diesel fuel.

Wild scenes in Kiama this morning. School bus ablaze. Fortunately @FRNSW have controlled it and the dozens oboard are safe.

Video: Kate Watkins / Facebook

Story @dailytelegraph: https://t.co/RxSb2szPaEpic.twitter.com/QKcwpWuqQi

— Dylan Arvela (@dylanarvela) November 28, 2024

“Fortunately, the fuel tanks remained intact, and an assessment of local drains has revealed no contamination as a result of the fire at this stage.

“Heavy tow services were arranged to remove the vehicle from the area and alternative transport was organised for the children.

“There were no injuries, and no information is available at this stage on how the fire started.”

NSW Police and Ambulance NSW were also in attendance.

A mother of students on the bus took to the Kiama Community Page on Facebook to herald the “hero” bus driver.

“I want to publicly thank Gary, who has ensured the safety of my three children as he has taken them to and from school for several years,” Belinda Fagan said.

It took firefighters approximately 15 minutes to contain the blaze. Picture: NSW Fire and Rescue

“Everyone knows and loves Gary the bus driver, due to his kindness and friendly nature. Your efforts today Gary leave me struggling to find appropriate words of thanks.

“To hear from my daughter how you went about ensuring everyone got off the bus safely. You are nothing short of a hero. Thank you.”

Got a story? Email [e-mail]