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Islanders Caught In M27 Traffic Chaos After Bus Catches Fire

People trying to get back to the Isle of Wight were caught in traffic chaos last night (Thursday) after a bus burst into flames near Portsmouth.

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from the Island after a double-decker caught fire just after 5pm.

Thick black smoke seen from the Island

Photo: Tom Doble

Pictures and video taken on the M27 show the bus being destroyed.

Islanders trying to get to the Wightlink ferry terminal in Portsmouth were hit with delays, while commuters arriving on the mainland faced heavy traffic.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said:

"Fortunately there were no casualties as the bus was well alight, and heavy black smoke was emanating from the vehicle on the hard shoulder as crews arrived.

"The motorway was closed as firefighters dealt with the incident."

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