A double-decker bus burst into flames at a bus depot in Westbourne Park, west London, on Tuesday evening, prompting a response from 20 firefighters. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred at the Westbourne Park bus garage on Lord Hills Road shortly before 7pm.
Fire Crews Respond Quickly
Four fire engines were dispatched to the scene, with crews using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze. The fire was under control by 7.30pm, according to LFB officials. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but early indications suggest it may have been accidental.
Impact on Services
The depot, operated by Metroline, serves several bus routes in the area. Transport for London (TfL) advised passengers of potential delays and diversions as emergency services dealt with the incident. A TfL spokesperson said: "We are working with the operator to minimise disruption and ensure passenger safety."
Witness Accounts
Local residents reported hearing a loud bang before seeing flames and thick black smoke rising from the depot. One witness, who asked not to be named, told the Standard: "There was a massive explosion sound, and then the whole bus was engulfed in flames within minutes. It was terrifying."
No Casualties
The LFB confirmed that all bus passengers and staff had been evacuated safely before the fire intensified. A brigade spokesperson said: "Crews worked quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles and structures. We are grateful that no one was hurt."
Investigation Underway
Fire investigators are examining the bus to determine the exact cause of the blaze. The incident comes amid heightened safety awareness following several bus fires in London in recent years. In 2022, a similar fire at a bus depot in Brixton caused significant damage but no injuries.
