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Shocking scene as bus catches fire with passengers and nearby building evacuated

Emergency services rushed to meet a bus service after the vehicle burst into flames on Monday (January 30) morning. <i>(Image: LISA DIXON/FACEBOOK)</i>
Emergency services rushed to meet a bus service after the vehicle burst into flames on Monday (January 30) morning. (Image: LISA DIXON/FACEBOOK)

Emergency services rushed to meet a bus service after the vehicle burst into flames on Monday (January 30) morning.

Passengers on a Go North East bus service through Sunderland shortly after 10.30am on Monday were forced to evacuate mid-journey when the single-decker caught fire.

Fire crews from the Tyne & Wear Fire Service rushed to the scene to put out the blaze as a nearby community centre was also evacuated.

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The bus was left as a burnt chassis as firefighters extinguished the blaze on Tunstall Village Road in the Silksworth area of the city.

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Flames also caused damage to the bus stop but have since been put out.

Everyone on the bus was safely evacuated and paramedics were not called to the scene.

Residents reported seeing thick black smoke around the area as fire crews worked to extinguish the glames.

The cause of the inferno is not yet known.

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A spokesperson for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said "Earlier today (January 30) at around 10:35am our fire control received a call about a bus on fire on Tunstall Village Road in Sunderland.

"Crews from Farringdon Community Fire Station were on the scene in just five minutes to extinguish the single decker bus on fire.

"All people on the bus self-rescued before our arrival and a nearby community centre was evacuated as a precaution.

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"The bus stop has also been damaged by the fire but the fire has since been extinguished.

"Our crews left the scene at 10:55am."

The Northern Echo has contacted Go North East for a statement on the incident.