Pictures show the devastation caused after a fire ripped through a school bus and caused the closure of a County Durham road.
The B6278 between Barnard Castle and Egglestone has been closed since about 8.30am after a school bus burst into flames.
Kids had to be evacuated to the roadside where they watched on in horror.
The coach pictured belongs to Hodgsons Coaches, while the students reportedly attend Teesdale School in Barnard Castle.
Pictures show the wreckage of the bus which has been totally destroyed.
A spokesperson for North East Learning Trust, which operates Teesdale School and Sixth Form, said:“ We can confirm that a number of our students were travelling on the bus on their way to school this morning.
"Thankfully all students were safely evacuated from the bus and were kept out of harms way until the fire service arrived. "They continued their journey to school where all arrived safely and parents were informed of the incident.”
A Durham Police spokesperson said: “We are currently in in attendance at a vehicle fire on the B6278 between Barnard Castle and Egglestone.
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“The road is closed in both directions and drivers are asked to find an alternative route.
“Thank you for your patience.”
The Northern Echo has contacted Durham Police and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for more information on the incident.
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