Double-decker bus bursts into flames during morning rush hour in Wimbledon

Wimbledonbusfire

An electric double-decker bus burst into flames in Wimbledon during rush hour on Thursday morning.

Shocked witnesses described their fear after seeing the dramatic fire on Wimbledon Hill Road shortly after 7.20am.

One resident, Max Pashley, told CityAM: “We heard a huge bang. We were terrified.”

There are no reports of any injuries, said a London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson.

In a statement, the Met Police said road closures and cordons are in place and that they were expected to be in place “for some time.”

“There were no reported injuries,” said the spokesperson.

“We thank the local community for their patience and cooperation as emergency services work at the scene. If possible please avoid the area.”

One witness wrote on social media: “Not what we expect to see on the school run…. Bus on fire – and the fumes are awful….”

A LFB spokesperson said: “Firefighters have been called to a fire involving a bus on Wimbledon Hill Road in Wimbledon.

“Part of a double-decker electric bus is alight. A 25-metre cordon has been put in place as a precaution and road closures are in place. There are currently no reports of any injuries.

“The Brigade was called at 0721. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Wimbledon, New Malden and Wandsworth fire stations are at the scene.”

Tom Cunnington, TfL’s Head of Buses Business Development, said: “Safety is our top priority and we are working with the operator, London General, and the bus manufacturer, Switch, to investigate what happened. The bus was quickly evacuated and there are no reported injuries.”

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