A hybrid bus caught fire in North Woolwich, East London, less than 24 hours after an electric double-decker exploded. Onlookers shouted as the bus was engulfed in flames at the junction of Factory Road and Store Road. No passengers were on the bus, and there were no reported injuries. Firefighters took about an hour to control the blaze, setting up an 80ft (25m) cordon at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Previous Incident
The electric double-decker explosion occurred in Wimbledon on route 200, ripping the back off an Optare Metrodecker bus. No injuries were reported, but the incident raised concerns about the safety of electric buses. The London Fire Brigade is investigating the cause, emphasizing safety as a top priority.
Response from Authorities
Transport for London (TfL) and bus operators are collaborating to investigate the incidents. TfL assured that the bus network remains safe to use and is not linking the two incidents. City Hall Conservatives called for the withdrawal of Metrodecker buses until the cause is determined. The safety faults with electric vehicles, including e-bikes and e-scooters, have been highlighted.
Operator and Manufacturer Statements
Go-Ahead London is urgently investigating the diesel-hybrid bus fire and is working with relevant authorities. TfL emphasized that the hybrid bus was out of service when the fire occurred, and there are no reported injuries. Switch Mobility, the manufacturer of Metrodecker buses, is collaborating with TfL in the investigation.
Background
Hybrid buses, running on diesel and electricity, aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to regular buses. The first hybrid bus in London was introduced in 2007. TfL has about 1,000 electric buses across its network, and the ambition is to make the entire bus fleet zero-emission by 2034. Safety concerns about electric vehicles have been raised, with the London Fire Brigade noting an increase in e-bike and e-scooter fires in 2023.
The incidents raise questions about the safety of hybrid and electric buses, prompting thorough investigations and calls for precautionary measures until the causes are determined.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
