A STAGECOACH double decker bus erupted into flames on the North Devon Link Road this afternoon.
A large black plume of smoke could be seen from miles around following the fire at around 4:20pm today -- July 17.
Thankfully, the bus which was travelling westbound on the A361 was not carrying any passengers and the driver was able to pull over and escape before the flames took hold.
An eyewitness who was following the bus said: "There was smoke about 500 yards before it stopped.
"I went over something that came off the bus which punctured my tyre.
"The bus was following a police car, and then there was a fire -- a big one.
"The driver only just got out in time, and we were fortunate that the police were following the vehicle.
"The driver thought it was just a blow out, but obviously it was a lot more than that."
PC Searle from Cullompton station added: "At about 4:20pm we became aware of a Stagecoach bus that was having some mechanical issues.
"The bus pulled over to the side of the road whereby it caught fire, and it was a necessity for the police to close the road to prevent any casualties as there was fuel leaking across the carriageway.
"There were no passengers on the bus, and there have been no casualties, and the fire brigade are in control of the fire."
Another eyewitness Lewis Clarke said: "I could see the smoke from Tiverton High School.
"When I arrived at the scene, there was around 30 or so people watching from the bridge linking the road with Heathcoat Way and plenty of cars parked on the roadside."