Bus bursts into flames after A24 collision - two taken to hospital

Emergency services rushed to the scene as the Metrobus was engulfed by fire after a crash with a car on the southbound slip road off the A24 Ashington.

The bus was left completely gutted by the blaze, with firefighters donning breathing apparatus to extinguish it.

Parts of the A24 were closed for a time while emergency services were called to the incident at around 3.40pm yesterday afternoon.

Another vehicle was spotted at the scene with severe damage to its front bumper and bonnet, with one of the car’s airbags deployed.

A police spokesman confirmed that the man driving the car and a female passenger have been taken to hospital for treatment.

A car involved in the collision suffered severe damage, with the car's driver and passenger taken to hospital

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said three fire engines from Worthing and Storrington were called to the incident, using hose reels, jets and a compressed air foam system to tackle the blaze.

The fire also spread to roadside grass areas but was contained by the fire service.

He said: "At 3.46pm, we were called to a large vehicle fire at London Road, Ashington.

"Joint Fire Control sent three fire engines from Worthing and Storrington to the scene.

"Upon arrival crews found one bus well alight, which had also spread to a nearby hedgerow.

"Firefighters have extinguished the fire using hose reels, jets and a compressed air foam system."

Fire crews from Worthing and Storrington fought to tackle the blaze

The Argus understands that around 20 people were evacuated from the bus. Seven people from the bus sustained minor injuries from the crash, which were treated at the scene.

Metrobus and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.