A County Durham road has been closed following a fire which broke out on a school bus.
The B6278 between Barnard Castle and Eggleston has been closed in both directions following a school bus fire at about 8.30am this morning (June 18).
The coach pictured belongs to Hodgsons Coaches, while the students reportedly attend Teesdale School in Barnard Castle.
Pictures from the scene show students stranded at the roadside as the bus is engulfed in flame and smoke.
Read more: Pictures show devastation as fire rips through school bus on County Durham road
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.29am today (June 18) to reports of a vehicle on fire on the B6278 near Barnard Castle.
“One fire engine from Barnard Castle and one fire engine from Middleton-in-Teesdale attended.
“Firefighters used four breathing apparatus and three hose reels to tackle the fire.
“Crews then left the scene at 9.59am.”
Mark Hodgson, director of Hodgsons Coach Operators, said: "Following the incident this morning, Tuesday 18 June, involving one of our vehicles on the B6278 near Eggleston.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the students on board for their quick actions in following the evacuation instructions.
"We would also like to pass our thanks to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue service, along with Durham Constabulary, for their efforts at the scene and Teesdale School & Sixth Form for their support offered to students on their arrival at school on the replacement coach.
"The cause of the fire has not been determined, a full investigation is ongoing at this time and we will assist the Fire Service with their investigation."
A Durham Police spokesperson said: “We are currently in in attendance at a vehicle fire on the B6278 between Barnard Castle and Egglestone.
“The road is closed in both directions and drivers are asked to find an alternative route.
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“Thank you for your patience.”
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.”
The Northern Echo have contacted Durham Police for more information on the incident.
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