A 51-year old coach driver died of natural causes yesterday afternoon while taking tourists to the airport, the police said yesterday.

The coach was full of people who were on their way from Sliema to MIA, but luckily, an Italian tour leader realised there was something wrong with the driver.

He tried to take control of the vehicle and bring it to a halt. As a result of this, the coach hit an electricity pole and stopped a few metres away from a petrol station.

The driver of the vehicle was certified dead at the scene.

Police investigations are underway.