FORTY teenagers fled their school bus after its engine caught fire on a busy dual carriageway.

The youngsters from Haslingden High, all in their early teens, escaped from the coach unhurt on the A56 Accrington bypass, near Winfields’ roundabout at Rising Bridge.

The incident happened early on Monday afternoon as the pupils returned from a trip to Skipton Castle.

Watch manager Keith Cunliffe, from Hyndburn Fire Station, said: "When we got there the children were already on the embankment and the coach was on fire.

"It was caused by an engine fault and spread to the passenger compartment. The bus was severely damaged."

The road between Huncoat and Rising Bridge was closed for over an hour, causing massive tailbacks.