Coach bursts into flames on m-way

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The coach caught fire as it travelled along the M1 in Leicestershire

A coach driver led 49 passengers to safety after their vehicle burst into flames on the M1.

The London to Nottingham coach pulled on to the hard shoulder of the motorway in Leicestershire after developing mechanical problems on Monday night.

Driver Don Edwards got the passengers off the National Express coach and firefighters put out the flames.

Passenger Heather Savage from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, described the driver as an "absolute hero".

I have safety training so I remained calm and reassured the customers Don Edwards, coach driver

The incident happened near junction 22, the Coalville turn off.

Ms Savage said: "Within a few minutes the bus was (full of) thick, black smoke - and that's a killer, more than the flames.

"It could have been terrible but the driver got everybody calmly off the bus. He was amazing."

Mr Edwards said: "I have safety training so I remained calm and reassured the customers while a replacement coach arrived.

"I'm pleased to have helped people on board."

A spokesperson for National Express said: "All customers and staff were safely removed from the vehicle.

"Safety is always our number one priority and we are currently investigating the cause of the issue."

A replacement coach arrived two hours later and passengers were able to complete their journey.