League One club forced to evacuate as coach goes up in flames after game

07 October 2023 , 20:47

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Barnsley's players were forced to evacuate after a fire

Players from League One club Barnsley were forced to evacuate after their team coach burst into flames as it made its way back from their league match at Exeter.

"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," a club statement read. "All players and staff on board were evacuated safely.

"Everyone is in good health. We would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response. The Club will make no further comment at this time and is focused on ensuring the safe return of staff and players."

Barnsley had claimed a league victory earlier in the day (TOM SANDBERG/PPAUK/REX/Shutterstock)

Images from the incident had spread on social media before Barnsley's statement. Once the club had commented, a number of social media users shared their relief at those on board escaping unharmed.

"Glad you’re all okay guys . Take care and be safe," one Twitter user, describing themselves as an Exeter City fan, wrote.

Holiday family return to find everything they own - even cat - destroyed in fire

"Good grief had to read that twice, glad all OK," wrote another football fan. "Up the Tarn from a Luton fan who's always looking out for your results! Carlton and Mads are balling in The Prem and I know you're proud of them both. All the best!"

It was later reported that a local firm was taking Barnsley's players and staff onward to Yorkshire following the evacuation. At the time of writing, the cause of the fire has not been reported.

Earlier in the day, Barnsley had secured a dramatic late victory away at Exeter. John McAtee popped up with an 89th minute winner to hand the Tykes a 1-0 victory.

The three points lifted Barnsley up to third in the table. They are aiming to go one better than last season, when they made it all the way to the play-off final only to lose to Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley.

"You're not resigned to the fact but you're accepting of the fact that it could be a 0-0," Barnsley boss Neill Collins said after the late winner. "I thought when Jamie [McCart] missed his header at the back post from a corner that possibly that was our chance to win the game gone.

"But then as soon as we had a good bit of play, won the ball high... and the ball switched out to Owen [Dodgson], great cross, great goal. Away days don't get a lot better than scoring a last-minute winner in front of your fans."

Tom Victor