KZN North Coast taxi catches fire with schoolchildren on board

Schoolchildren escaped without serious injury after the minibus taxi they were travelling in caught fire in Amouti on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast on Monday morning.

The red Toyota Hiace was transporting learners to school when the driver reportedly noticed flames coming from the vehicle and pulled over to evacuate everyone on board.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) spokesperson Prem Balram said the organisation received a call from a member of the public requesting assistance at around 7am.

According to Balram, the driver noticed the fire while travelling towards the main road and managed to stop before the flames spread further.

The fire is believed to have started in the engine compartment.

Two learners assessed for smoke inhalation

The taxi was carrying schoolchildren from Grade 1 to Grade 4, reportedly aged between six and 14.

All the occupants were evacuated after the driver noticed the fire.

Two children who reportedly inhaled smoke were assessed by emergency personnel at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Some of the learners were transported to school in another taxi, while others remained at the scene following the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the fire have not been detailed further.

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Source: IOL