Fan tells of smashing windows to escape bus blaze

A ST JOHNSTONE fan caught up in a horror bus fire while travelling back to Perth has said she is “amazed” everyone managed to escape the double-decker.

Beth Arfaoui credited those on the bus for working together to make sure everyone made it out safely.

Police said five people had been taken to hospital following the incident on the A9 between Blackford and Auchterarder at around 9.30pm.

One of those taken to hospital was Beth’s husband, Arbi, while others on the bus experienced minor injuries like cuts and grazes from smashing windows to escape.

Describing the moment the fire started, Beth said: “We were driving along the road when there was an almighty bang right beside the window I was sitting at towards the back of the coach. The driver immediately slowed down, took us past a garage and up a slip road.”

Beth praised the driver for moving past the garage, saying it could have been worse had the fire burned near the fuel station.

“One supporter said ‘there’s smoke’, so he kicked the door in and we realised the bus was already on fire,” she added.

“People started shouting ‘there’s a fire, everybody off’ and of course people panic but we all tried to get off as quickly as we could. People at the very back smashed windows so they could get off, resulting in broken bones, cuts and bruises.

“An off-duty paramedic was first on the scene then there were ambulances sent to check out the injured,” Beth said.

Despite the chaos, she said she will never forget how people stuck together during the incident to take care of each other.

“I’m amazed we all got off but the togetherness shown to each other is something I will never forget. People going to help older people off, ensuring the children got off. I made sure my daughter got off before I even thought about moving.”

Police said the source of the blaze was still unknown.