Electric bus ‘explodes into a ball of flames’ while charging
AN ELECTRIC bus caught fire yesterday while it was charging at a depot, causing five other vehicles to become engulfed as eyewitnesses described hearing an explosion “like a jet”.
Fire crews were called to the Metroline bus depot in Potters Bar, Herts, after locals raised the alarm at about 2.30pm.
Eight fire engines attended the scene – evacuating neighbouring properties and fire-proofing the remaining buses.
At the height of the blaze, six Transport for London (TFL) buses, two hybrid-electric and four diesel, were on fire.
Footage of the incident posted on social media showed black smoke billowing from the buses before a large fireball erupted into the sky.
A large plume of smoke was seen for miles around, and Hertfordshire Fire Control took more than 70 calls from members of the public.
Shaun Cunningham told the BBC that he heard “an unbelievable noise that sounded like a jet” and saw a bus had “exploded into a ball of flames”.
Potters Bar High Street was closed as a result of the incident, resulting in significant disruption to traffic. The cause and origin of the incident are under investigation. Nobody is thought to have been injured.
Andy Hopcraft, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s deputy chief fire officer, said yesterday: “The service was called to reports of a significant fire at Potters Bar Bus Garage at around 2.30pm this afternoon.
“The first fire engine was on the scene within four minutes, where four buses were well alight.
“Neighbouring properties were quickly evacuated and the surrounding buildings and other buses were protected from fire.
“At the height of the fire, eight engines were in attendance, and a total of six buses were on fire – two hybrid and four diesel-powered. Thanks to the efforts of the firefighters involved, the fire was contained to six buses and did not spread to cause further damage to other buildings or vehicles.”
The Potters Bar Bus Garage is run by Metroline and houses several buses that are used by TFL.
Metroline has been approached for comment.