Driver, students escape after bus catches fire in Millsboro, Del.

MILLSBORO, Del. (WPVI) -- Delaware State Police responded to a school bus fire in Sussex County this morning.

The driver and two East Millsboro Elementary school students were on board when the bus caught fire on Careys Camp Road in Millsboro.

The driver tells police the bus automatically shut down at 6:45 this morning, causing the vehicle to come to a stop.

The driver then smelled smoke and saw flames coming from the front of the bus.

That is when she and the children, ages 11 and 9, safely evacuated through the rear emergency exit.

They ran to a nearby house where they called 911.

Investigators believe a mechanical issue sparked the fire.

Careys Camp Road between Millsboro Highway and Phillips Hill Road was shut down as crews cleared debris.

The roadway has since reopened.