A tour bus carrying 52 foreign tourists caught fire while traveling toward Berat Castle on Tuesday, prompting the passengers, including children, to evacuate the vehicle.

According to local reports, the first sparks were noticed near the front of the bus as it was climbing toward the castle. The driver stopped the vehicle, allowing all 52 passengers to get off before the flames spread.

No passengers were injured, as they were able to evacuate safely before the fire engulfed the bus.

The flames, which are believed to have started in the engine compartment, quickly spread through the vehicle. Firefighters and police were dispatched to the scene and worked to bring the blaze under control.

The bus was completely destroyed by the fire. A parked Mercedes-Benz SUV was also engulfed in flames after its owner was unable to move it from the entrance of a nearby home.

Police and firefighting authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that an electrical spark in the engine may have triggered the fire, although the investigation is ongoing.

The bus driver, identified as Ervis Dyrmani from Durrës, was reportedly taken to a police station for questioning.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the nationalities of the foreign tourists who were traveling on the bus.