An investigation has been launched into the cause of a blaze in an ambulance which burst into flames while transporting a patient to hospital.

Two paramedics have been praised for their bravery after they rescued the female patient from the vehicle just moments before it was engulfed in flames on the M2 motorway. A passing van driver transported the woman, who has been described as having a “minor” complaint, to Antrim Area Hospital.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service last night said that an investigation into the fire has been launched. The Service insisted that the ambulance fleet is safe and said that “no vehicles will be withdrawn at this stage”. A section of the M2 motorway was closed at Dunsilly yesterday afternoon as firefighters tackled the blazing Mercedes.

A Magherafelt crew was taking the patient to Antrim Area Hospital just after 4pm when they spotted smoke coming from the front of the vehicle about half a mile from their destination.