A fire on an InterCity bus with about 40 passengers on board on State Highway 1 near Porirua this morning is not believed have been caused by a mechanical or coach-related issue, the bus company says.
The incident caused the roadway to be closed to one lane.
Emergency responders were called after a fire was sparked in the luggage compartment of the bus at around 10.40am.
Passengers were uninjured, police said.
The bus driver, however, received oxygen from Wellington Free Ambulance.
Most passengers appeared to be travelling for Christmas. At least one of them had their luggage catch on fire during the blaze.
Motorists were told to expect significant delays.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. However, at this stage, it "does not appear to be a mechanical or coach-related issue", Intercity Group's Sam Peate told 1 NEWS.
"We are very sorry for the disruption caused to our passengers' travel plans," Mr Peate said.
It’s not the only place along State Highway 1 where holiday travellers have experienced headaches and delays today.
Also this morning, a section of the Waikato Expressway was completely closed down as police responded to an incident on an overbridge. It has since reopened.
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