A St Johnstone fan caught up in a horror bus fire while travelling back to Perth has said she is “amazed” everyone managed to escape the double-decker.
Beth Arfaoui credited those on the bus for working together to make sure everyone made it out safely.
Police said five people had been taken to hospital following Saturday’s incident on the A9 between Blackford and Auchterarder at around 9.30pm.
One of those taken to hospital was Beth’s husband, Arbi, while others on the bus experienced minor injuries like cuts and grazes from smashing windows to escape.
Driver credited for quick thinking
Describing the moment the fire started, Beth said: “We were driving along the road when there was an almighty bang right beside the window I was sitting at towards the back of the coach.
“The driver immediately slowed down, took us past a garage and up a slip road,” she said.
Beth praised the driver for moving past the garage, saying it could have been worse had the fire burned near the fuel station.
‘Broken bones, cuts and bruises’
“One supporter said ‘there’s smoke’, so he kicked the door in and we realised the bus was already on fire,” she added.
“People started shouting ‘there’s a fire, everybody off’ and of course people panic but we all tried to get off as quickly as we could.
“People at the very back smashed windows so they could get off, resulting in broken bones, cuts and bruises.
“An off-duty paramedic was first on the scene then there were ambulances sent to check out the injured,” Beth said.
Despite the chaos, she said she will never forget how people stuck together during the incident to take care of each other.
“I’m amazed we all got off but the togetherness shown to each other is something I will never forget.
“People going to help older people off, ensuring the children got off. I made sure my daughter got off before I even thought about moving.”
St Johnstone players send support to fans caught up in bus blaze
Beth also praised St Johnstone for their support following the incident, which she said has shown they “genuinely care” about fans.
In a message to Beth following the incident, midfielder Liam Craig asked her if there was anything he could do to support those affected, even if it was “just a phone call”.
“I can imagine it is a difficult time for all the supporters, if there is anything I can do just let me know,” he wrote.
As well as the message from Liam, Beth said she has also been contacted by the club’s supporter liaison officer following the fire.
“This is what our team is all about. They genuinely care about the supporters,” she added.
Team captain Liam Gordon has also reached out to another man who was on the bus with his child, Beth added.
Thanks for speedy response
Meanwhile Daniel Shek, chairman of Fair City Saints supporters’ group committee, has thanked emergency services for their speedy response.
Daniel said: “Firstly I am glad to say everyone made it off the bus and, while a few went to hospital with minor injuries, all are doing well.
“This was a freak incident and we are thankful for the speedy response of the emergency services that attended.
“The quick thinking of the committee members and others on the bus, plus the bus driver himself, ensured everyone was off the bus as quickly and as safely as possible and everyone made it home to there loved ones.
“This could have been a lot worse but its not worth thinking about. I would ask that those affected are given time and space to deal with what was a frightening situation for all involved.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said it took crews around two hours to extinguish the blaze after it was first reported at 9:30pm.
Crews battle bus fire for two hours
“We were called at 9.30pm to reports of a double decker bus on fire on the A9 between Blackford and Auchterarder.
“Four appliances attended the fire. Two were sent from Auchterarder and Crieff and two were sent from Edinburgh control.
“One main jet was used as well as a thermal image camera,” they said.
Police Scotland said the source of the blaze was unknown.
Last night our Bus had a blow out on the way home. The togetherness from each saints fan who shared that bus with us makes me so f¥ckin proud to be a Saintee. I hope all those hurt make a speedy recovery – thankfully no fracture to Hubby’s tibial plateau 🥺 Scary, scary shit! pic.twitter.com/7BnLfLQrff
— ☆🏆ҍҽեհ ǟʀʄǟօʊɨ🏆☆ (@B3thArfaoui) November 21, 2021
“We received a report of a bus fire on the A9 flyover near Auchterarder around 9.30pm on Saturday, 20 November.
“Officers attended to help with road closures, alongside the fire service and ambulance service.
“There were not believed to be any serious injuries and five people were taken to hospital as a precaution,” a force spokesperson said.
