Another London Bus Goes Up in Flames!
Less than 24 hours after an electric double-decker exploded in Wimbledon, a second London bus has been completely destroyed by fire. This time, a hybrid bus caught fire in North Woolwich, East London, just before 7 a.m.
Blaze Shocks Early Morning Commuters
Shocked witnesses at the junction of Factory Road and Store Road watched as the bus went up in flames. Some onlookers swore in disbelief as emergency services urged them to step back. A video captured the fire engulfing the vehicle, and daylight revealed the charred wreckage.
Thankfully, no passengers were on board, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters tackled the blaze for over an hour. Authorities set up an 80ft cordon and launched an investigation into what sparked the fire.
Wimbledon Bus Blast Sparks Safety Fears
Yesterday’s dramatic explosion tore the back off an Optare Metrodecker bus on route 200 in Wimbledon, en route to Raynes Park. This ignition revived big concerns about electric bus safety across London.
Nearly two years ago, all Metrodecker buses were temporarily pulled from service after a major fire at a Potters Bar garage in Hertfordshire. Manufacturer Switch Mobility gave the all-clear after a thorough safety check.
TfL Stands Firm, but Conservatives Demand Action
Transport for London runs around 1,000 electric buses and insists there are no plans to remove Metrodecker vehicles despite recent chaos. Meanwhile, City Hall Conservatives are urging Mayor Sadiq Khan to ground all Metrodeckers until the cause of the Wimbledon fire is uncovered.
Electric vehicle fires are rising fast in the capital, with 2023 seeing a 53% jump, including 150 e-bike and 28 e-scooter blazes. The latest investigations involve TfL, Switch Mobility, and London General, all stressing safety remains their priority.
Mayor Khan, who champions a zero-emission bus fleet by 2034, now faces fresh calls for a “full and urgent investigation” into these fiery incidents rocking London’s streets.
