Double-decker school bus evacuated after catching fire in Linlithgow

A double-decker school bus carrying pupils home in West Lothian caught fire with no injuries reported.

The Linlithgow Academy bus caught fire while taking pupils home around 12.40pm on Friday in the Springfield area of the town.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent two appliances to the scene, where a number of passengers and the driver had already escaped from the bus.

There were no reported injuries.

The bus caught fire on Blackness Road, opposite the entrance to Springfield Road.

Police closed the road as emergency services responded.

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of a school bus fire earlier today in the Springfield area of Linlithgow. This was a Linlithgow Academy school bus which was taking pupils home.

“Emergency services attended, and we understand the situation has been dealt with. Our School transport team are liaising with the bus provider.

“We have been advised that there were no injuries, thankfully, and all pupils disembarked very quickly. All pupils were picked up in another vehicle.

“The incident took place on Blackness Road, opposite the entrance to Springfield Road. The road was closed, but we understand it will be reopened by police shortly, if it hasn’t been already.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.40pm on Friday, November 14 to reports of a fire affecting a double-decker bus on Blackness Road, Linlithgow.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene, where a number of passengers and the driver had already evacuated the vehicle.

“Crews worked to make the area safe.

“There were no reported casualties.”

Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.