More than 30 kids evacuated after school bus caught fire in NSW

More than 30 children and a bus driver were evacuated after a school bus erupted into flames, with plumes of smoke seen billowing from the vehicle.

More than 30 schoolchildren have been evacuated after a school bus caught fire on the NSW south coast.

Adam Dewberry from NSW Fire and Rescue said crews were called to the blaze near Collins St and Terralong St in Kiama about 8.45am Thursday.

The bus caught fire just before 9am Thursday. Picture: Facebook / Anne Maree Bowden

More than 30 kids were evacuated. Picture: Kate Watkins/ Facebook

A Transport for NSW spokesperson confirmed 33 kids and a bus driver were on-board when the blaze broke out.

“The bus was operating a dedicated school service at the time and there were students on board from Kiama Public and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Schools,” the spokesperson said.

“They were able to leave the vehicle safely.

“Ambulance officers attended the scene, but it is understood they did not treat any of the 33 students or the driver on board.

“Transport will work with the operator and emergency services as investigations continue into the cause of the fire.”

No injuries were reported. Picture: Facebook / Anne Maree Bowden

Plumes of smoke billowed from the school bus.

However Mr Dewberry confirmed no injuries had been reported, with crews containing the fire within 20 minutes.

Eight firefighters and two fire trucks responded to the incident, with specialist FRNSW hazardous materials crews attending, as the bus was carrying 200 litres of diesel fuel.

“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,” a FRNSW spokesperson said.

“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.”

NSWFR have also been assessing waterways.

Originally published as More than 30 kids evacuated after school bus caught fire in NSW