Bus driver, local hailed heroes after helping children escape school bus fire on NSW South Coast
A bus driver and a local woman are being hailed as heroes after rescuing 33 children from a burning school bus on the NSW South Coast this morning.
Multiple firefighters rushed to the scene on Collins Street in Kiama at 8.30am to tackle the blaze.
Children on the bus alerted driver Gary that they could smell smoke, prompting him to pull over and discover the fire.
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Children on the bus alerted driver Gary that they could smell smoke, prompting him to pull over and discover the fire. Nine
All 33 passengers escaped with the help of Gary and locals like Tracey Wilson. Nine
All 33 passengers escaped with the help of Gary and locals including Tracey Wilson.
"I saw the flames they were very high up the back of the bus... Heard the kids screaming," Wilson said.
"I just yelled out 'Somebody call the fire brigade' and I just ran straight to the bus to help the kids and make sure everyone was alright."
The driver and children escaped uninjured and alternative transport was organised.
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Firefighters rushed to the scene on Collins Street in Kiama at 8.30am. Fire and Rescue NSW
Bystanders captured photos and videos of the flames and black smoke billowing from the vehicle in the heart of the popular tourist town.
Hazmat crews were called to the scene to manage 200 litres of diesel, while environmental crews were called to oversee storm water run-off to minimise pollution to Black Beach.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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