Photo: Andrew Cornew
OVERHEATING brakes caused a patient transport vehicle on Main Road, Empangeni, to come to a grinding halt amid a cloud of smoke and flames on Tuesday morning.
The bus, empty at the time, was traveling along Main Road towards Empangenis CBD.
At the intersection of Main Road and Turnbull Street, the driver of the bus smelt a burning metallic odour which came wafting through the dashboard.
Stopping instantly and climbing out of the bus, the driver noticed the front right tyre was on fire.
Deploying a fire-extinguisher, the driver managed to douse the flames, but unfortunately the tyre was damaged beyond use.
After moving the bus off the road away from traffic, the fire department arrived and confirmed the fire was out and there was no chance of it re-igniting.
The bus was towed away for repairs.
