Students from Shoalhaven High School have had a lucky escape after their bus burst into flames in the remote Southern Tablelands
The children were heading to Canberra for an excursion on Monday morning when the coach driver noticed flames just after 8am, bringing the vehicle to an emergency stop at Endrick River, just outside Nerriga.
The bus is believed to have been carrying around 35 year 9 students as well as staff from Shoalhaven High.
Teachers and the driver leapt into action, evacuating all of the students safely.
Multiple RFS and Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the scene but were unable to save the bus, which was completely destroyed.
Three teenagers were transported to hospital with smoke inhalation, while the rest were driven back to their school in minivans driven by teachers sent to the scene by school management.
The RFS said 20 firefighters took around an hour to contain the blaze.
The NSW Department of Education is providing support for all students impacted by the incident, while Nerriga Rural Fire Brigade sent a message to the school praising students and staff involved.
“Thank you for staying safely out of the way, following instructions and representing your school so incredibly well,” the message said.
“Your calmness, patience and cooperation while our emergency services arrived and worked to get everything under control made a difficult situation so much easier.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Anyone who finds this story distressing can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Images: Windellama Rural Fire Brigade
