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Barnsley FC's team bus catches fire on M5 near Gloucester

Barry Cotter/Snapchat Bus on fireBarry Cotter/Snapchat
Barnsley FC player Barry Cotter shared a video of the fire on social media after the bus had been safely evacuated

Barnsley Football Club has thanked the emergency services after the team's bus caught fire on its return home.

The League One team was returning to South Yorkshire from Devon after the side's 1-0 win against Exeter City when the fire broke out near Gloucester.

The club confirmed all players and staff on board the vehicle were evacuated safely.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue said it happened on the northbound side between junction 11 and 11a of the M5.

Claire Penketh Cars on the M5 motorwayClaire Penketh
The coach fire forced the closure of the M5 motorway on Saturday night near Gloucester

In a brief statement, the club thanked emergency services for a "swift response".

"We can confirm that on the way back from our fixture against Exeter City this evening, our club coach suffered complications and subsequently caught fire," the side said.

"All players and staff on board were evacuated safely. Everyone is in good health.

"The club will make no further comment at this time and is focused on ensuring the safe return of staff and players."

The motorway was closed in both directions between junctions 11 and 12 while emergency services worked at the scene. It reopened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

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