A school bus has burst into flames on a remote stretch of road in WA's Kimberley, with nine school children and the driver escaping the blaze unharmed.
Senior Sergeant Steve Principe from Kunnunurra Police said the school bus was travelling along the Victoria Highway outside the town when children on board noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle.
"Somethings gone wrong with the bus - whether it's mechanical or it's dragged something under the wheels we don't know yet.
"Our roads can be like Mad Max up here, they get pretty wild with debris. But the driver pulled to the side of the road and the kids on board got off very quickly, they were helped along by a prefect who was on board, so quick thinking all round."
Flames spread quickly through the bus, and Snr Sgt Principe said firefighters quickly attended the scene to extinguish the blaze.
"We ended up parked up just watching a bonfire really. Lots of smoke and flames."
Another school bus was arranged to take the children to school, where they were debriefed by teachers about their eventful commute.
"The emergency services did a great job and the kids were all very brave," Snr Sgt Principe said.
"Bit of an unusual start to the morning, but luckily it's all ended well."
