A HEARSE carrying a coffin caught fire on its way to a funeral, putting a mourning family through added pain on an already tragic day.
Dramatic pictures show the extent of the damage of the burnt-out car that happened in Church Stretton on Monday (December 11).
Posting on its Facebook page, Church Stretton Fire Station said: "Staff and the public managed to get the coffin out of the vehicle before that became involved, so well done to everyone there.
"Can we just say our thoughts and prayers go out to the all the family which would have been a sad enough day as it is without this additional sad news added to the day."
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said it received a call reporting a car fire at 1.19pm.
"Two fire appliances were mobilised from Church Stretton and Craven Arms," said a spokesperson.
"Crews used breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and a main jet to tackle the fire."
Firefighters left the scene shortly before 2.30pm.
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