A bus driver has died in Brisbane, Australia, after a passenger threw an "item" which set him on fire, say police.

 

Six "deeply traumatised" passengers escaped the smoke-filled vehicle with the help of a taxi driver who forced open the back door of the bus.

 

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

 

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

 

The bus driver was identified as Manmeet Alisher, a 29-year-old man well known in Brisbane's Indian community.

Friends described him as a talented singer and dancer who was engaged to be married.

 

"I've been confronted with many situations, but here, this is a rare one where there appears to be no apparent motive," Police Supt Jim Keogh told reporters.

 

"A bus driver, going about doing his business, supporting the community, has had his life taken from him in what is a senseless and needless act."

 

Taxi driver Aguek Nyok helped passengers escape.


 

"All the people were at the back trying to get out of the bus but they couldn't get out the front because of the flames," he told the Courier-Mail newspaper.

 

"They couldn't 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 wider community".

 

Flags will be flown at half-mast across the city on Saturday as sign of respect for Mr Alisher.