Bus driver hailed for evacuating kids Children in fire drama
A driver for a premium coachline company is being hailed a hero after safely evacuating more than 30 children when his vehicle suddenly burst into flames on the M1.
Gold Coast-based company Lonestar Coachlines commended the driver and has launched an immediate investigation into the incident.
The investigation will be jointly conducted with the coach’s manufacturer, which Lonestar Coachlines has not identified.
About 10am Saturday, the coach erupted into flames while travelling southbound on the M1 at Helensvale, bringing traffic to a standstill after two lanes were closed.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said by the time crews arrived the bus had been “well engulfed” in flames.
Crews worked to contain the blaze.
All 34 children were safely evacuated by the bus driver before emergency crews arrived and were transported away by another bus service, a Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed.
However, the driver, a man in his 50s, was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition for smoke inhalation.
“The driver did indeed evacuate all passengers on board safely and has conducted himself beyond reproach in accordance with all company procedures,” Gold Coast Coachlines director Les Bultitude told the Bulletin.
“The driver is doing well, however requests not to be contacted as he wishes to rest and appreciates everyone’s well wishes.”
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, a QFES spokeswoman said.
Mr Bultitude confirmed that the bus involved was among some of the first of its type to become operational in South East Queensland in May last year.
“Gold Coast Coachlines wishes to reassure those involved and the wider community that it takes the safety of passengers, its staff and the general public seriously,” he said.
“Safety is our priority, and we will be doing all we can to understand the cause of the incident so we can take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“As the cause of the fire is currently unknown, we are unable to say whether decommissioning or repair is appropriate at this stage.”