Go-Ahead London urgently investigating electric bus fire

Go-Ahead London is urgently investigating a fire that broke out on one of its electric buses this morning (11 January 2024).

Part of the double-decker electric bus was damaged by the fire, with footage on social media showing flames building up at the rear of the vehicle.

London Fire Brigade sent three fire engines and around 15 firefighters to tackle the blaze. A 25-metre cordon was in place as a precaution and road closures were implemented. There were no reports of any injuries.

The double-decker, identified as an Optare Metrodecker, caught fire at around 7.20am on Wimbledon Hill Road in Wimbledon. The bus was in service on Route 200 travelling towards Raynes Park.

A statement from Go-Ahead London said: “All passengers and our driver were safely evacuated and we are grateful to the emergency services for their prompt response.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation, London Fire Brigade report. “The company is working with relevant authorities to establish the facts,” said a spokesperson from Go-Ahead London.

TfL says it is working with the operator and the manufacturer of the bus, Switch Mobility, to investigate what happened.