‘Bus driver’ Brisbane DIES after being set on fire by passenger

A bus driver has died in Brisbane, Australia, after a passenger threw an “thing” which set him on fire, say authorities.

Six “greatly traumatised” passengers escaped the smoke-filled vehicle with the aid of a taxi driver who forced open the back door of the bus.

Eleven individuals were treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

Police arrested a 48-year-old guy and have ruled out terrorism.

The bus driver was identified as Manmeet Alisher, a 29-year-old guy well known in the Indian community of Brisbane.

He was described by friends as a talented vocalist and dancer who was engaged to be married.

“I’ve been confronted with many situations, but here, that is a rare one where there appears to be no evident reason,” Police Supt Jim Keogh told reporters.

“A bus driver, going about doing his company, supporting the community, has had his life taken from him in what is a senseless and gratuitous act.”

“All the individuals were at the back trying to escape the bus but they could not get out the front because of the flames,” he told the Courier-Mail newspaper.

“They could not open the back door so I kicked it down and they all came running out.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said it was “a very, very sad day for the council and the broader community”.

Flags will be flown at half mast across the town on Saturday as indication of admiration for the 29-year old motorist.