London has witnessed a second bus catching fire within two days, sparking concerns over public safety. The latest incident occurred in North Woolwich, East London, early this morning. Social media posts show dramatic footage of the bus engulfed in flames around 7 am, followed by images of its charred remains. The London Fire Brigade confirmed that there were no passengers on the bus at the time of the fire and no reported injuries. However, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another double-decker bus fire in Wimbledon, which also did not result in any injuries. Eyewitnesses described the alarming scene in Wimbledon, noting the significant flames and smoke, and expressed their shock, especially as the event unfolded during a school run.
The London Fire Brigade responded to the North Woolwich incident, stating, “We were called at 6.49 am today to reports of a bus on fire on Factory Road in North Woolwich. Firefighters attended and brought the fire under control by 7.55 am. A 25-metre cordon was put in place as a precaution.”
Transport for London (TfL), which operates approximately 1,000 electric buses across its network, has stated that it will not withdraw any Metrodeckers and maintains that they are safe. This assurance comes amid heightened scrutiny following these two incidents.
In Wimbledon, the fire led to the implementation of a 25-meter safety cordon and road closures. Eyewitness accounts highlight the severity of the fire and the impact of the fumes. Fire crews from three different stations were seen tackling the fire, and police were present to manage the area.
These back-to-back bus fires in London have raised questions about vehicle safety, particularly concerning the city’s fleet of electric buses. TfL’s assurance of the safety of its buses comes at a critical time as the investigation into these incidents continues. The public and local authorities await further information to understand the causes of these fires and ensure the ongoing safety of London’s public transportation system.
