A QUICK-thinking driver ensured passengers were evacuated before a bus went up in flames in Essex this afternoon.

Firefighters rushed to the scene near Moor Hall Lane in Bicknacre at 12.03pm as a bus was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke billowing from the vehicle.

The single-decker bus was found fully alight and passengers were already evacuated by the driver thanks to his quick actions and fire safety training.

Moor Hall Lane was shut off by emergency services and the blaze was extinguished within an hour, with the scene made safe by 1.02pm.

First Bus has since confirmed an investigation is now underway into the root cause of the blaze.

Piers Marlow, managing director for First Bus Essex, said: “We can confirm our vehicle was involved in a fire in Bicknacre earlier this afternoon.

“Our driver's quick thinking and fire safety training has meant that everyone was evacuated off the bus in a timely fashion before the fire took hold and has prevented any injuries.

“The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our no 1 priority.

“An investigation is now underway into the root cause of the incident and we are assisting the emergency services and thank them for their quick response.”