Rock singer’s praise for driver in coach fire

Nov 1 2008 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A ROCK singer has praised a coach driver who acted swiftly when the band’s tour bus caught fire on the M62 near Huddersfield.

Rock band Feeder’s double-decker tour bus caught fire while travelling in the westbound carriageway of the M62, between junction 22 at Ripponden and junction 23 at Outlane.

Thirteen crew members were sleeping on the bus when the fire broke out.

Quick-thinking driver Colin Campbell spotted smoke and flames coming from the back of the vehicle and pulled over.

He woke the sleeping passengers and got them away from the bus just minutes before it burst into flames.

Feeder were on a coach travelling behind the stricken vehicle.

Singer Grant Nicholas praised Mr Campbell’s quick thinking.

“It’s terrifying to think what might have happened, just shocking,” he said.

“We can’t praise Colin enough for his quick thinking and action. He saved all their lives. We’d also like to thank the police and firefighters who dealt with the situation.”

The coaches were travelling in convoy from Scotland, where Feeder had played in Glasgow.

All the equipment, merchandise and personal belongings on the coach were destroyed.