Double decker bus fire on A27 at Farlington forces frantic evacuation for driver and passengers

All those on board were able to flee the Coastliner bus unharmed – located in a ‘tricky’ position on the first lane at Farlington, virtually above the bridge of the Eastern Road junction just after 8am.

Flames suddenly erupted in the rear wheel brake area before two fire engines from Cosham rushed to the scene alongside an engine from Cosham and a water carrier from Fareham.

The fire was quickly extinguished using a high pressure hose reel while police protected the scene from passing traffic.

Steve Pearce, watch manager of Cosham, said: ‘The driver was able to get passengers off after the fire started.

‘It happened on a live traffic lane which made it more tricky to deal with but luckily there was not much traffic.

‘Police attended and were able to protect the scene.’

Paramedics were not needed.

The bus has now been escorted off the carriageway.

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