Oxford Street Shut After £580,000 Electric Dust Cart Goes Up in Flames
Chaos hit London’s West End early this morning as a state-of-the-art £580,000 electric dust cart erupted in flames on Oxford Street. The blaze forced a full closure of the bustling shopping street, with London Fire Brigade (LFB) teams rushing to the scene.
Firefighters Battle High-Tech Blaze
Three fire crews from Paddington, backed by a specialist Fire Rescue Unit, tackled the fierce fire. The electric vehicle’s lithium-ion battery was severely damaged, posing unique dangers like potential reignition and toxic fumes.
Firefighters had to use disc cutters and reciprocating saws to slice open the dust cart’s tough exterior and reach the hidden flames deep inside. Thankfully, quick action meant no one was hurt in the fiery incident.
Green Initiative Hit by Flickering Fire Risks
The dust cart, part of London’s green drive to cut emissions, unexpectedly burst into flames. Westminster Council confirmed a full investigation is underway to pin down the cause, with a focus on possible electrical faults.
This incident reignites concerns over the safety of electric vehicles, especially in busy urban zones like Oxford Street.
Oxford Street Remains Closed
For safety, Oxford Street is still closed in both directions at Duke Street as crews extinguish hot spots and clear burnt debris. Bus routes are diverted while emergency teams work to reopen the area swiftly.
The London Fire Brigade assured the public they are doing everything to resolve the situation quickly and safely.
