| There were dramatic scenes as passengers, including some in wheelchairs, were safely evacuated from a smoke filled bus.
But, the smoke was a special effect created using dry ice during a training and information event staged by West Sussex County Council's Transport Co-ordination Group.
The day long event was designed for community and voluntary transport organisations, bus operators, wheelchair accessible taxi firms, managers of day care centres and escorts working for the County Council's Education and Social and Caring Services departments who look after adults and children with special needs.
More than 100 delegates from 48 organisations from across the county attended the event.
As well as evacuation procedures, there was also a session on fire extinguisher training provided by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
There were also tips on how to secure wheelchairs in vehicles, people handling skills and first aid.
Delegates were also able to pick up advice on a wide range of issues from insurance to transporting passengers with learning or behavioural issues.
Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, welcomed delegates to the event at Oving Village Hall near Chichester.
He said: "This was the second countywide event of this type that we have staged as part of our commitment to training and safety, and it proved very popular.
"I am sure that if the delegates who attended do ever have to face a real emergency, they will be better equipped to help their passengers many of whom could be very vulnerable."
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· Pictures issued with this press release show an emergency evacuation and fire extinguisher training which featured during the training and information day.
For more information please contact Nigel Galloway in the Communications Unit on 01243 777722 or email nigel.galloway@westsussex.gov.uk
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