Northland school students had a dramatic trip home today after a school bus caught on fire, prompting an escape through the driver’s side exit when the main doors failed to open.

The Mangawhai fire caused the partial closure of a road as fire crews battled the blaze.

The bus caught fire just before 4pm near the intersection with Carter Rd, south of the Mangawhai township.

Police said all 20 people on the bus, 19 children and one driver, were safe.

The father of a 13-year-old girl on board said the news came as a “shock”, especially with this being only the second week his daughter has taken the bus.

He said his daughter told him the doors wouldn’t open, and they had to climb out the driver’s side.

“Bit concerning that the doors wouldn’t open ... there should be an emergency over-ride,” the father said.

“They pulled over, and the bus was filling with smoke. From what I’ve heard, [the driver] did a good job getting them all out,” he said.

Photos show bright orange flames and thick black smoke billowing from the bus.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said everyone on board was evacuated safely.

A school bus has caught fire in Mangawhai. Photo / Google Maps

A fire engine, water tanker, and support vehicle attended.

Locals on Facebook said they were told via a text that the cause of the fire was a “mechanical issue”.

One local called the incident a “frightening sight”.

Police said a section of Mangawhai Rd was closed after the fire while the scene was cleared.